YETIFORGING 


\ 


SAN  0\EGO 


FREE,  YET  FORGING  THEIR 
OWN  CHAINS. 


BY 

C.   M.   CORNWALL. 


NEW  YORK: 

DODD,  MEAD   &   COMPANY, 
751  BROADWAY. 


COPYRIGHT, 
DODD,  MEAD  &  COMPANY, 

1876. 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I. 
THE  FIRST  BLOW 7 

CHAPTER  II. 
A  MINER'S  GRIEVANCE 25 

CHAPTER   III. 
AN  AGREEABLE  SURPRISE 38 

CHAPTER  IV. 
A  DAY  OF  REST 47 

CHAPTER  V. 
THE  SHADOW  OF  DEATH 62 

CHAPTER  VI. 
A  RUDE  AWAKENING 76 

CHAPTER  VII. 
A  NEW  CONSPIRATOR 94 

CHAPTER  VIII. 
LIFE  AMONG  THE  LOWLY 108 

CHAPTER    IX. 
A  EIDE  FOR  LIFE 129 

CHAPTER  X. 
A  MISERABLE  DEATH-BED 149 

CHAPTER    XI. 
A  SCENE  OF  DESOLATION. 164 

CHAPTER  XII. 
THE  SCHOOL  ON  THE  MOUNTAIN 179 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER 
THE  WOLF  AT  THE  DOOR  .................................  194 

CHAPTER  XIV. 
THE  FLOODS  ARE  UPON  Us  ...............................  203 

CHAPTER  XV. 
A  TARDY  LOVER  .........................................  216 

CHAPTER  XVI. 
A  COWARDLY  ATTACK  ....................................  232 

CHAPTER  XVII. 
CHECKMATED  ............................................  243 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 
PLOTS  AND  COUNTER-PLOTS  ................................  262 

CHAPTER  XIX. 
A  NARROW  ESCAPE  ......................................  273 

CHAPTER  XX. 
FRESH  DANGERS  THREATEN  ...............................  283 

CHAPTER  XXI. 
UNMASKED  ..............................................  292 

CHAPTER  XXII. 
A  TROUBLED  CONSCIENCE  ................................  301 

CHAPTER  XXIII. 
DISASTER  ...............................................  312 

CHAPTER  XXIV. 
BENEATH  THE  SURFACE  ...................................  327 

CHAPTER   XXV. 
A  LEAP  IN  THE  DARK  ...................................  340 

CHAPTER   XXVI. 
DISCOVERY  ..........................................  ____  354 

CHAPTER  XXVII. 
THE  CURTAIN  FALLS  .....................................  365 


FORGING  THEIR  OWN  CHAINS. 


CHAPTER  I. 

THE   FIRST  BLOW. 

T  was  just  about  noon  on  a  bright  cold 
day  in  February,  when  a  passenger-train 
swept  slowly  round  the  curve  of  the  moun 
tain,  and  drew  up  at  the  station  of  a  town 
in  one  of  the  richest  coal  regions  of  Pennsylvania. 

The  little  crowd  in  waiting  rushed  forward,  and 
there  was  the  usual  hurry  and  pushing,  among 
those  wishing  to  alight  and  those  about  to  take 
the  train.  Among  the  last  to  reach  the  platform, 
was  a  young  lady,  whose  manner  showed  her  to  be 
a  stranger  in  that  region. 

She  was  richly  but  plainly  dressed  in  a  dark 
cloth  suit,  over  which  she  wore  a  seal-skin  jacket, 
that  in  the  heated  car  had  been  thrown  back,  and 
was  not  yet  fastened  closely  about  her  throat. 
Her  muff  and  jaunty  cap  were  of  the  same  rich 
material,  and  the  hand  that  grasped  her  traveling- 
bag  was  delicately  gloved.  She  looked  about,  as 
if  expecting  some  one  to  meet  her,  as  she  pushed 
carelessly  by  the  hackmen,  who  were  bidding  for 
their  several  establishments  ;  then  said  to  one 


8        FORGING  THEIR  OWN  CHAINS. 

more  persistent  than  the  rest :   "  Do  you  know  if 
Mr.  Gordon's  sleigh  is  here?" 

The  man  shouted  to  a  comrade  nearer  the  street, 
"  Say,  Bill,  is  Gordon's  team  down  ?" 

"  No  ;  but  they's  coming." 

Just  then  a  handsome  span  of  black  horses  came 
prancing  up  in  front  of  the  station,  with  a  large 
sleigh,  whose  high  cushioned  seats  were  covered 
with  white  bear-skin  robes,  their  red  linings  sweep 
ing  lightly  the  freshly  fallen  snow.  As  it  stopped, 
a  young  man,  throwing  the  robes  carelessly  aside, 
sprang  out,  leaving  a  lady  still  seated,  and  came 
forward  with  a  rapid  step.  Meeting  the  young 
traveler,  he  exclaimed,  "Welcome,  sister  Julia, 
pardon  our  not  being  here  to  receive  you.  The 
train  is  early,  or  they  have  changed  their  time." 

"  How  is  Grace  ?"  asked  Julia. 

"Very  well.    Here  she  is.    Give  me  your  checks." 

Julia  sprang  into  the  sleigh,  and  threw  her  arms 
around  her  sister's  neck  as  she  rose  to  meet  her. 
Eager  kisses  were  exchanged,  and  Grace  Gordon, 
holding  her  sister  off  a  little,  exclaimed,  "  Why 
Julia,  you  are  still  '  ma  petite ;'  you  have  not  grown 
a  bit  in  the  four  years  you  have  been  abroad.  You 
have  improved  wonderfully  though ;  not  pretty, 
exactly;  but  stylish,  and  all  that  sort  of  thing." 

"  Fascinating,  why  don't  you  add,"  said  Gordon, 
who  now  joined  them. 

"  I  don't  doubt  she  will  prove  so,  and  I  shall  be 


THE  FIRST  BLOW.  9 

eclipsed  entirely.  However,  I  have  no  fears  that 
you  or  baby  Frank  will  prove  disloyal.  And  the 
rest,  my  dear,  I  willingly  resign." 

"  Thanks  for  your  generous  offer,"  said  Julia, 
taking  a  seat  by  her  side.  "But  I  can  give  a  more 
unqualified  compliment.  You  are  certainly  pret 
tier  than  when  the  belle  of  our  circle  ;  although  a 

o 

sedate  matron,  way  out  in  this  wilderness." 

"  '  Wasting  her  sweetness  on  the  desert  air,'  I 
presume  you  think,"  said  Gordon.  "  I  believe  in 
your  love  for  Grace,  if  it  could  bring  you  here  so 
soon  after  your  arrival  in  New  York,  and  at  this 
season  of  the  year.  But  I  can  assure  you  we  are 
civilized,  some  of  us  at  least." 

Julia  gave  a  half-provoked  glance  at  her  brother- 
in-law,  as  she  replied,  "  I  am  sorry  if  you  thought 
I  had  any  reluctance  to  come.  The  quiet  of  a 
country  home,  if  it  were  not  my  sister's,  would  be 
agreeable,  after  the  constant  change  of  our  last 
year  abroad.  But  my  city  friends  seemed  to  think 
me  a  fit  subject  for  an  insane  retreat,  to  go  to  the 
country  now." 

"  We  will  try  to  prevent  your  becoming  melan 
choly,  my  dear,"  said  Grace.  "Although  I  cannot 
promise  a  fete  every  night ;  there  are  some  gaye- 
ties  in  prospect  I  think  you  will  enjoy." 

"  Surely,  what  can  be  more  exhilarating  than 
sleigh-riding?  It  is  the  poetry  of  motion  set  to 
the  music  of  these  merry  bells.  You  can  give  me 
no  better  treat  than  enough  of  this." 


10  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

They  had  left  the  town  and  were  riding  rapidly 
along  a  road  following  the  windings  of  the  river 
now  ice-bound,  and  covered,  as  all  else,  with  snow. 
Soon  they  crossed  a  bridge,  and  made  a  sharp 
turn,  bringing  them  in  view  of  a  large,  black  coal- 
breaker  and  great  culm-pile,  where  fresh  snow  and 
black  dust  made  a  marked  contrast.  Beyond  were 
rows  of  small  dark  houses,  with  a  little  white  paint 
defining  the  windows,  like  the  iris  of  a  negro's  eye. 
Some  were  neat  and  clean,  with  little  yards  in 
front,  while  others  bore  every  evidence  of  wretch 
edness  and  filth. 

A  number  of  men,  women  and  children  were 
gathered  in  little  groups,  and  on  the  porch  of  one 
house,  larger  than  the  others,  were  three  or  four 
men  in  eager  discussion. 

They  paused  and  watched,  as  the  sleigh  turned 
to  the  right,  avoiding  nearer  approach  to  the  col 
liery.  Julia  noticed  the  sullen  expression  on  their 
countenances,  and  asked,  "What's  the  matter? 
Why  are  those  men  idle  ?  " 

"  They  are  on  a  strike,"  replied  Gordon.  "There 
has  been  no  work  done  all  through  these  coal 
regions  since  January." 

"  What  made  them  strike  ?  " 

"  Why,  the  operators  have  immense  amounts  of 
coal  ready  to  ship.  But  there  is  little  or  no  market 
for  it,  as  business  is  so  dull.  It  was  a  great  deal 
better  for  us  to  be  idle  than  pay  such  large  wages ; 


THE  FIRST  BLO  W.  1 1 

so  we  told  the  men  they  must  take  ten  per  cent 
less,  or  stop  work..  Their  Union  advised  them 
to  stop,  so  there  they  are,  the  only  sufferers  by 
their  folly.  We  can  stand  it  as  long  as  they' 
can." 

"  I  wonder  who  has  the  right  of  it,"  said  Julia 
half  musing,  as  from  her  comfortably  cushioned 
seat  she  looked  back  at  the  small  cheerless  cot 
tages.  "  They  must  have  a  hard  life.  Think  of 
working  all  through  the  bright  days  far  under 
ground  !  I  should  want  large  pay." 

"  But,  my  dear  sister,"  said  Grace,  "the  market 
supply  and  demand  must  regulate  this,  as  all  other 
trades.  Frank  says  that  these  men  would  get  as 
good  wages  as  any  who  work  with  their  hands  now, 
but  they  won't  see  it,  and  are  bound  to  '  stand  for 
their  rights,'  as  they  call  them." 

"  But  what  about  their  poor  families  meanwhile  ?" 
asked  Julia. 

"  They  must  take  the  consequences,  and  perhaps 
that  will  bring  them  to  reason  sooner,"  replied 
Gordon  with  a  shrug. 

Their  road  now  ascended  a  high  hill.  Near  its 
summit  they  drove  through  a  broad  gateway,  and 
followed  a  winding  avenue,  lined  with  fine  large 
trees,  and  dark  clumps  of  cedars,  frosted  with 
feathery  snowflakes,  that  had  fallen  during  the 
night.  After  a  little  they  emerged  in  front  of  a 
large  stone  house,  whose  straight  lines  were  broken 


12  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

by  verandas,  balconies  and  bay  windows,  covered 
nearly  to  the  roof  with  vines,  now  holding  snow- 
wreaths,  instead  of  leaves.  Pausing  in  front  of  the 
steps,  Grace  sprang  out,  and  held  a  hand  to  Julia, 
saying, 

"  Welcome,  little  sister,  to  Cedar  Ridge." 

"So  this  is  'the  lodge  in  a  wilderness'  you 
wrote  me  about,"  said  Julia,  as,  turning  round, 
she  viewed  the  wide  prospect.  "  How  beautiful 
this  '  boundless  continuity  of  space  '  must  be,  when 
clothed  with  verdure  under  the  lights  and  shadows 
of  a  June  day."  % 

"  Yes,  you  must  see  our  mountains  in  summer. 
But,  come  in  ;  I  am  anxious  to  show  you  my  boy. 
He  is  worth  more  than  these  hills,  with  all  their 
black  diamonds." 

As  the  door  closed  behind  them,  it  seemed  like 
entering  the  tropics.  The  soft  warm  air  was  lad- 
ened  with  fragrance  from  rare  and  costly  plants 
that  filled  the  sunny  bay  windows,  while  birds, 
whose  cages  were  almost  concealed  among  luxu 
riant  vines,  trilled  their  merry  song,  unconscious 
of  winter  blasts. 

With  only  an  appreciative  glance  at  the  beauti 
ful  rooms  opening  upon  the  wide  hall,  Julia  fol 
lowed  her  sister  to  the  apartment  prepared  for  her. 
A  bright  fire  glowed  in  the  grate,  and  threw  a 
warm  light  over  the  dark  blue  covering  of  the  fur 
niture.  Easy  chairs  were  drawn  up  in  front  of  it  ; 


THE  FIRST  BLOW.  13 

and  on  a  table  a  tete-a-tete  tea  service,  and  prepa 
rations  for  lunch,  gave  an  inviting  home-welccme 
to  the  traveler. 

Grace  drew  her  sister  to  the  fire,  and  began  re 
moving  her  wraps.  As  they  stood  thus,  few  would 
have  supposed  that  so  near  a  relationship  existed 
between  them.  Grace  was  a  perfect  blonde,  with 
large  blue  eyes,  and  regular  features,  that  were  al 
most  lifeless  in  their  repose ;  unusually  tall,  with 
just  sufficient  fullness  to  give  her  matronly  dignity : 
Julia  small  and  slight ;  with  a  face  that  at  times  was 
decidedly  ordinary,  but  which,  under  excitement, 
would  flush  into  a  beauty  of  color  and  expression 
that  astonished  and  even  dazzled  the  beholder. 
In  character  also  they  were  as  dissimilar.  Grace 
was  quiet  and  gentle,  loving  her  husband  and  child 
with  much  devotion,  but  undemonstrative  and 
not  quick  in  her  perceptions,  or  possessed  of  much 
intellectual  taste  or  ability.  Julia  was  full  of 
energy  in  word  and  manner,  keen  in  her  analysis  of 
character  ;  but  impulsive  and  heedless,  apparently 
showing  every  thought  on  the  surface,  yet  with 
an  underlying  stratum  of  strength  and  reserve,  of 
which  she  herself  was  hardly  conscious. 

Grace  and  Julia  Earle  were  orphans,  and  heir 
esses  to  a  large  property  left  to  the  guardianship  of 
a  wealthy  uncle  in  New  York.  Julia  was  five  years 
younger  than  Grace,  and  for  three  years  had  been 
at  school  in  France.  When  Grace  married  Frank 


I4  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

Gordon,  their  uncle  at  her  request  resigned  the  care 
of  her  property  to  her  husband,  and  with  his  fam 
ily  went  abroad.  Julia  had  spent  the  last  year 
traveling  with  them  in  Europe.  She  had  just 
returned,  and  was  visiting  her  sister  for  the  first 
time  in  her  married  home. 

Grace  having  placed  Julia  in  a  comfortable  chair 
before  the  glowing  fire,  said  :  "  Now  I  am  going  to 
bring  my  baby,  and  then  we  will  have  lunch.  We 
dine  at  six,  when  I  will  introduce  you  to  the  family 
circle,  but  I  want  you  all  to  myself  at  first." 

In  a  few  moments  she  returned  with  a  fine  large 
boy,  having  his  mother's  fair  skin  and  blue  eyes. 
After  a  great  amount  of  petting,  he  was  again  re 
signed  to  the  nurse's  care,  and  the  sisters  drew  their 
chairs  closer,  for  a  long  confidential  chat. 

"  You  speak  of  your  family  circle.  Pray,  whom 
does  it  include  besides  Mr.  Gordon  ?  You  forget 
I  have  been  away  since  all  these  new  ties  were 
formed,  and  you  are  such  a  poor  correspondent," 
said  Julia. 

"  Well,  it  is  larger  this  winter  than  usual.  You 
know  Frank  had  a  step-mother  living,  and  Mr. 
Hunt,  Frank's  partner,  was  her  son  by  a  former 
marriage." 

"  I  didn't  know  it  till  now.  Are  they  both  with 
you?" 

"  Yes.  The  old  lady  is  not  particularly  agree 
able.  She  is  afflicted  with  nerves  and  a  strong 


THE  FIRST  BLOW.  15 

imagination.  She  is  also  a  walking  medical  dic 
tionary,  and  knows  the  name  of  every  pain  and 
ache,  and  at  some  time  or  other  has  had  them  all. 
She  requires  a  great  deal  of  attention,  and  at  pre 
sent  has  a  cousin  staying  here,  who  waits  upon  her 
whims,  out  of  consideration  for  the  valuable  pres 
ents  she  receives.  Miss  Ada  Hunt  is  a  beautiful 
brunette,  a  fine  musician,  and  very  agreeable." 

"  How  about  Mr.  Hunt  ?  " 

"  Oh  !  I  know  you  will  like  him.  Indeed,  I  have 
set  my  heart  on  your  marrying  him,  and  settling 
down  here  by  me." 

"  I  must  say,  that  is  a  summary  way  of  deciding 
matters,"  laughed  Julia. 

"  I  think  it  will  be  your  own  fault,  if  it  is  not 
thus  decided." 

" '  I  came,  I  saw,  I  conquered.'  You  would 
compare  me  to  the  invincible  Caesar,  but  I  imagine 
an  old  bachelor  will  not  be  so  easily  vanquished. 
Why  hasn't  the  fascinating  Miss  Hunt  made  him 
captive?  " 

"  Oh !  they  are  cousins,  free  and  easy  in  their 
intercourse;  but  nothing  more,  I  assure  you.  In 
deed,  I  think  there  is  an  '  affaire  du  cceur '  in  pro 
gress  between  her  and  Maurice  Graham,  the  super 
intendent  of  our  colliery." 

"  Who  is  he?" 

"  Oh,  a  poor  friend  of  Uncle  John  Gordon's. 
He  wanted  Frank  to  give  him  that  position. 


1 6  FORGING  THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

Frank  and  Mr.  Hunt  are  engaged  in  other  things 
beside.  Mr.  Hunt  is  a  splendid  business  man. 
He  is  president  of  the  bank  in  town,  and  director 
of  one  or  two  railroads  ;  indeed,  there  is  no  promi 
nent  enterprise  of  which  he  is  not  head  and  front. 
Frank  says  he  has  wonderful  talent  that  way, 
and  has  made  a  large  fortune.  He  trusts  him 
implicitly." 

"  Oh  dear,  I  shall  be  afraid  to  speak  before  such 
a  wonderful  financier.  Uncle  says  I  can't  add  up 
the  cost  of  my  dresses  for  one  year." 

"  Never  mind,  as  long  as  you've  the  dresses. 
Men  don't  want  women  to  bother  their  heads 
about  business.  He  can  talk  as  graceful  nonsense 
as  you  can  desire." 

"  Thank  you  for  the  implied  compliment.  But 
here  are  my  trunks.  I  will  show  you  what  I 
brought  from  Paris." 

During  the  rest  of  the  afternoon  the  sisters  were 
absorbed  in  the  mysteries  of  dress  and  jewelry,  and 
did  not  heed  the  flight  of  time  till  the  dinner-bell 
rang. 

When,  after  a  hasty  toilet,  Julia  descended  to 
the  dining-room,  the  impression  she  produced  was 
not  very  favorable.  She  was  suffering  from  a  ner 
vous  headache,  which  made  her  pale,  heavy-eyed 
and  spiritless ;  and  acting,  as  usual,  according  to 
her  mood,  she  made  no  effort  to  be  agreeable.  The 
presence  of  a  comparative  stranger  with  such  a 


THE  FIRST  BLOW.  17 

disposition  is  a  wet  blanket  to  all  sociability.  It 
was  a  great  relief  when  the  tedious  formality  of 
dinner  was  over,  and  they  could  return  to  the  par 
lor.  Here,  Grace  asked  Ada  Hunt  to  favor  them 
with  music,  and  contrived  to  place  her  sister  on 
a  tete-a-tete  sofa  with  Hunt,  hoping  they  would 
thus  get  better  acquainted,  while  she  was  occupied 
in  the  nursery. 

But  Hunt,  not  finding  Julia  inclined  to  conversa 
tion,  soon  joined  Graham  at  the  piano.  This  was 
just  what  she  desired,  and  she  began  making  care 
ful  observations  of  the  circle  into  which  she  was 
to  be  thrown  for  some  weeks.  The  old  lady  she 
recognized  as  a  poor  hypochondriac,  ready  to  in 
flict  upon  any  one  the  full  history  of  her  maladies. 
Her  she  resolved  to  shun.  Next,  Mr.  Gordon,  her 
brother-in-law,  passed  under  a  stricter  scrutiny. 
He  was  not  tall ;  Grace  had  the  advantage  of  him 
in  height.  His  features  were  refined  and  rather 
handsome,  but  lacking  in  force.  This  was  seen 
in  his  whole  attitude,  and  the  slight  tremble  of  the 
white,  nerveless  hand  that  held  the  daily  paper  he 
was  reading.  Julia  wondered  that  her  sister  should 
have  selected  him  from  her  numerous  admirers. 
Yet  she  remembered  that  her  uncle  had  loudly  ap 
plauded  the  choice,  and  that  he  told  her,  Frank 
Gordon  was  considered  a  very  desirable  match  in 
their  circle,  as  he  belonged  to  an  aristocratic  fami 
ly  in  Philadelphia,  and  was  the  reputed  heir  of  his 


1 8  FORGING    THEIR  OWN  CHAIN 8. 

rich  old  uncle,  John  Gordon,  who  owned  the  col 
liery  and  residence  where  they  were  living,  and  ad 
vanced  the  capital  to  work  the  mines. 

Then  she  turned  to  Hunt,  and  he  suited  her 
fancy  better.  He  was  tall  and  well-proportioned, 
full  of  the  vigor  of  manhood.  His  black  hair  and 
heavy  mustache  and  beard  made  a  peculiar  con 
trast  to  the  rest  of  his  face,  which  was  unusually 
pale.  She  could  not  decide  on  the  color  of  his 
eyes,  they  were  so  changeable.  Her  gaze  passed 
from  him  to  the  lady  at  the  piano,  and  while  ac 
knowledging  her  beauty  and  rare  gifts,  she  felt  an 
instinctive  antagonism  toward  her,  and  was  sure 
that  beneath  her  velvet  exterior  were  sharp  claws. 
She  had  caught  a  gleam  shot  at  her  from  under  the 
long  black  eye-lashes,  when  Hunt  was  trying  to 
play  the  agreeable  after  dinner  ;  and  had  watched 
her  lures  to  draw  him  away,  apparently  not  con 
tent  with  the  open  admiration  young  Graham 
lavished  upon  her. 

Julia  paid  little  attention  to  him,  having  casu 
ally  pronounced  him  an  ordinary  young  man,  very 
much  in  love  with  a  girl  who  was  amusing  herself 
at  his  expense.  Was  she  flirting  with  Hunt  also, 
or  was  that  a  serious  game  ?  At  all  events,  Julia 
determined  on  the  morrow  to  enter  the  lists  with 
her.  She  had  no  intention  of  carrying  out  her 
sister's  plans.  But  it  would  be  good  sport,  and  be 
something  to  boast  of  to  her  city  friends.  She 


THE  FIRST  BLOW.  19 

had  heard  of  him  as  not  at  all  a  ladies'  man,  and 
they  seemed  to  think  it  such  a  feather  in  their  cap 
if  he  showed  them  any  attention  when  mingling  in 
their  circles.  So  she  resolved  to  see  what  she 
could  do  with  him.  They  had  all  put  her  down 
as  stupid  and  possessing  only  solid  charms  to 
recommend  her.  She  would  show  them  by  and  by 
they  were  mistaken  ;  for  she  had  great  faith  in  her 
power  of  witchery.  Having  reached  this  conclu 
sion,  she  arose  and  bade  them  good  night,  pleading 
fatigue  as  her  excuse  for  leaving  so  early. 

Soon  after  she  retired,  Henry  Hunt  left  the 
piano  and  crossing  the  hall  to  a  small  library,  shut 
the  door,  went  to  the  secretary,  and  drew  out  from 
one  of  its  drawers  a  box  of  fine  "Havanas."  Then 
selecting  one  he  threw  himself  down  into  an  easy- 
chair  in  front  of  the  grate,  and  gave  himself  up  to 
thought. 

After  a  few  moments,  taking  the  cigar  in  his 
fingers,  he  allowed  the  fragrant  smoke  to  curl 
around  his  head  and  muttered,  "  So  that's  the 
heiress.  A  stupid,  namby-pamby  school-girl,  who 
hasn't  even  her  sister's  good  looks  to  recommend 
her.  Compare  her  with  that  splendid  creature  in 
there,  singing  like  an  angel  !  Poor  foolish  Graham 
is  no  doubt  worshiping  her,  for  one.  But  if  ever 
the  tempter  appeared  in  female  guise,  he  has  cer 
tainly  tried  hers.  She  is  deep  as  the  ocean,  and 
quite  as  remorseless.  I  think  I  know  her  pretty 


20  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

well,  and  the  game  she  is  playing.  I  believe,  with 
out  vanity,  I  can  claim  what  heart  she  does  possess. 
By  Jove,  if  she  only  had  that  chit's  wealth,  I'd 
soon  sweep  such  puppy  lovers  as  Graham  out  of 
my  path.  How  gloriously  beautiful  she  is  to-night ! 
She  shows  to  best  advantage  when  playing  and 
singing,  which  is  generally  the  reverse  with  other 
performers.  Her  white  ringers  flash  over  the  keys, 
and  words  flow  from  her  lips,  just  parted  enough 
to  show  the  little  white  teeth,  as  if  it  were  no  more 
effort  than  for  the  birds  to  trill  ;  yet  the  power  and 
pathos  of  her  voice  have  drawn  tears  to  the  eyes 
of  even  such  a  hardened  sinner  as  I.  What  won 
der  Graham's  heart  is  melted  out  of  him  !  I  could 
pity  him  were  he  not  living  in  paradise  now.  Bah  ! 
I  wonder  if  I  can  learn  to  endure  that  block  of 
stupidity  up  stairs.  Perhaps  she'll  get  enough 
beauty  sleep  to-night  to  make  her  more  present 
able." 

Just  then  his  thoughts  were  interrupted  by  the 
door  opening,  and  Frank  Gordon  entered. 

"  Hallo  !  "  said  Hunt.  "  You  are  just  the  man  I 
wanted  to  see.  I've  finished  my  cigar.  Pity  you 
don't  like  to  smoke  ;  it  is  a  splendid  resource  when 
business  is  dull." 

"  Ours  is  dull  enough,  in  all  conscience.  How 
do  things  stand,  to-day  ?  " 

"  Bad.  See  here,  Gordon,  you've  got  to  take  up 
your  wife's  money,  lying  idle  in  the  bank  now,  or 


THE  FIRST  BLOW.  21 

in  a  day  or  two  our  notes  go  to  protest,  and  there 
will  be  a  grand  crash.  I  can't  push  off  this  result 
much  longer;  our  credit  won't  bear  it.  We  must 
have  cash  down." 

"  O  Hunt  !  can't  it  be  raised  in  any  other  way  ? 
I  have  already  used  twenty  thousand  of  her  prin 
cipal  in  our  operations,  not  yet  restored.  Now  to 
take  fifteen  thousand  more,  my  conscience  wont 
allow  it." 

"  Humph  !  your  conscience  didn't  trouble  you 
when  we  made  a  hundred  thousand  clear  in  our 
wise  investment  in  oil,  last  year.  You  doubled 
your  wife's  income  then.  Now,  when  I've  labored 
for  your  interests  and  Grace's  as  truly  as  my  own, 
and  times  have  changed,  and  money  is  tight, 
and  these  confounded  strikes'  put  a  dead 
lock  on  our  regular  business,  you  refuse  to  loan 
the  firm  a  few  paltry  thousands  to  keep  up  our 
credit,  till  I  can  bring  those  stocks  to  the  right  fig 
ure  to  sell  out  with  a  handsome  margin.  You 
seem  to  regard  your  business  reputation  as  of  no 
importance.  Of  course,  you  will  have  your  wife's 
property  to  fall  back  on,  and  perhaps  the  old  gov 
ernor  will  overlook  the  mistakes  of  his  nephew,  out 
of  respect  to  his  misfortunes.  But  don't  be  too 
sure  of  the  old  fogy  :  you  know  how  severe  he  is 
on  operations  outside  of  your  legitimate  business. 
You  and  I  have  been  in  too  many  schemes  together 
to  show  a  very  clean  record,"  said  Hunt  in  a 


22  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

freezing  tone,  while  a  bitter  sneer  curled  his 
lip. 

Gordon  bowed  his  head  on  the  table  and 
groaned. 

"Now  see  here,  Frank,"  resumed  Hunt,  in  a  quiet 
friendly  manner,  'there's  no  sense  in  your  mak 
ing  such  a  fuss  over  this  matter.  We  only  borrow 
the  money  a  few  weeks  to  help  us  over  these  hard 
times,  then  pay  back  principal  and  interest.  Grace 
has  given  you  full  power  of  attorney,  and  trusts 
you  implicitly.  I  think  you  might  have  a  little 
confidence  in  me.  I  have  never  left  you  in  a  tight 
place  yet,  and  have  helped  you  out  of  a  good  many 
scrapes,  first  and  last.  I  have  not  failed  in  my  ven 
tures  heretofore,  and  if  we  can  only  tide  over  these 
obstacles  now,  we  will  go  on  swimmingly.  If  we 
can  pay  down  that  fifteen  thousand  prompt  to 
morrow,  they'll  think  old  Gordon  is  backing  us, 
and  our  credit  and  that  stock  will  go  up  like  a 
balloon." 

"  Well,  I  suppose  I  must,  but  the  firm  shall 
give  her  security ;  and  remember,  Hunt,  this  is 
the  last  cent  of  hers  I  use,  if  we  both  go  to  the 
devil." 

"All  right.  I'll  see  that  she  is  protected,  if  you 
will  draw  me  a  check  for  that  little  amount,  and  we 
won't  visit  the  old  gentleman's  quarters  yet,"  and 
a  malicious  sparkle  shone  in  Hunt's  eyes,  as  he 
passed  a  blank  check  to  his  companion.  "  As  soon 


THE  FIRST  BLOW.  23 

as  I  get  these  matters  settled  up,  to-morrow,  I'll  be 
off  to  New  York.  I  know  two  or  three  chaps  on 
Wall  street  who  will  take  some  of  that  stock. 
Their  name  will  help  us  here.  When  up  a  little 
higher  we  will  sell  out  entirely,  since  you  are  so 
shaky;  but  I  assure  you  it  is  a  safe  speculation  and 
we  will  double  our  money.  Good-night  now.  I 
must  follow  Miss  Earle's  example  and  get  my 
beauty-sleep  this  end  of  the  night." 

The  two  men  parted  and  Gordon  slowly  mount 
ed  the  stairs,  revolving  in  his  mind  what  he  had 
done.  This  was  not  the  first  time  he  had  thus 
used  his  wife's  property  ;  but  while  luck  was  with 
them  he  flattered  himself  he  was  making  judicious 
investments  for  her.  Now  that  the  tide  of  fortune 
had  turned  and  bankruptcy  stared  them  in  the 
face,  he  began  to  realize  that  he  was  involving 
what  was  committed  as  a  sacred  trust  in  schemes 
that  his  uncle  would  at  least  call  very  question 
able. 

As  he  entered  his  room,  a  softly  shaded  lamp  re 
vealed  the  beautiful  features  of  his  wife,  slightly 
flushed  in  peaceful  slumber,  while  on  her  out 
stretched  arm  lay  her  boy;  his  cheeks  rosy,  his 
golden  hair  curling  in  close  rings  around  his  moist 
forehead,  and  one  little  dimpled  arm  thrown  about 
his  mother's  neck.  Gordon  for  a  moment  felt  like 
a  miserable  thief,  stealing  the  inheritance  of  wife 
and  child.  Then  all  Hunt's  sophistries  came  back, 


24  FORGING  THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

and  he  thought  of  the  mortification  failure  would 
cause  her,  as  well  as  himself.  This  one  venture 
more  would  save  them;  then,  her  property  should 
be  entirely  withdrawn  from  the  firm. 


A   MINER'S  GRIEVANCE.  25 


CHAPTER   II. 
A  MINER'S  GRIEVANCE. 

RANK  GORDON  was  no  financier,  nor 
had  he  any  strong  points  in  his  character. 
From  boyhood  Hunt  was  the  master 
spirit,  and  Frank,  without  being  fully  con 
scious  of  it,  had  been  completely  controlled  by  his 
companion's  stronger  will.  Yet  apparently  all  the 
good  gifts  of  fortune  had  fallen  upon  Gordon. 
He  was  a  beautiful  boy,  the  only  one  in  a* large 
family  circle,  and  he  had  been  petted  and  surfeited 
with  attention  all  his  life.  His  father  died  when 
he  was  about  fourteen,  and  he  passed  over  to  the 
guardianship  of  his  uncle  John,  a  crotchety  old 
bachelor,  immensely  rich,  but  in  Hunt's  opinion 
full  of  obsolete  notions,  very  opposite  to  the 
advanced  stage  of  the  world. 

Hunt  had  inherited  only  a  few  hundred  dollars 
from  his  own  father.  His  step-father  died  suddenly, 
making  no  provision  for  him.  Mr.  John  Gordon 
saw  that  he  was  a  shrewd  fellow,  and  resolved  to 
give  him  a  good  education  and  keep  him  with 
Frank.  They  seemed  fond  of  each  other,  and  he 
trusted  that  Hunt  would  look  out  that  Frank's 


26  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

good-nature  was  not  imposed  on.  From  boyhood 
Hunt  had  been  a  schemer.  He  had  been  brought  up 
in  the  midst  of  wealth  owned  by  others.  Educated 
in  luxurious  tastes,  and  indulged  and  petted  by  a 
weak  mother,  he  had  always  been  cramped  for 
means,  and  resolved  that  the  one  object  of  his  life 
should  be  to  get  rich,  no  matter  how.  He  had  seen 
what  an  "  open  sesame  "  money  was  to  all  the  good 
things  of  life.  In  his  youth  he  had  often  been 
snubbed,  when  young  Gordon  was  flattered  and 
caressed,  while  he  was  conscious  that  mentally  he 
was  his  superior.  So  he  took  his  revenge  by  using 
his  strong  influence  with  Frank  to  work  out  his  own 
ends.  During  their  college  days  he  had  drawn 
him  into  many  a  scrape  to  suit  his  own  convenience 
or  amusement  ;  and  had  then  taken  great  credit  to 
himself  for  extricating  him,  as  Frank's  wits  were 
not  keen  enough  to  discover  what  a  dupe  he  had 
been. 

This  plan  had  been  followed  by  Hunt  all  through 
their  business.  Gordon  was  naturally  averse  to 
exertion,  and  learned  to  depend  upon  his  partner 
more  and  more.  In  the  years  of  inflation  follow 
ing  the  war  they  had  been  unusually  successful  in 
their  speculations.  Hunt  never  let  Gordon  fully 
into  his  schemes,  for  the  latter  was  troubled  with  a 
conscience,  that  was  not  strong  enough  to  resist 
temptation.  He  feared  the  risk  of  detection,  not 
of  their  dishonesty,  for  he  never  realized  that  any  of 


A  MINER'S  GRIEVANCE.  27 

their  transactions  could  come  under  that  broad 
censure ;  but  he  dreaded  the  displeasure  his  uncle 
would  feel  if  he  supposed  they  were  speculating. 

Hunt,  like  all  other  gamblers,  whether  in  stocks 
or  otherwise,  was  never  satisfied.  One  successful 
venture  but  urged  on  to  another.  Now  fortune's 
wheel  had  taken  a  wrong  turn,  but  his  strong  will, 
and  the  fascination  this  sort  of  risk  seems  to  pos 
sess,  urged  him  on.  He  resolved  to  risk  all  in  one 
brilliant  coup,  which  he  believed  would  bring  him  a 
fortune.  Then  he  would  retire  among  the  old 
nabobs  who  had  patronized  his  youth.  He  was  not 
at  all  fastidious  as  to  the  means  to  accomplish 
this  result ;  he  believed  that,  if  successful,  he  would 
escape  close  scrutiny. 

Maurice  Graham,  the  young  superintendent,  was 
not  displeased  when  Gordon  and  Hunt  left  the 
parlor  to  discuss  business,  and  the  sole  task  of  en 
tertaining  Miss  Ada  devolved  on  him. 

But  she  had  no  intention  of  allowing  him  to 
become  too  demonstrative,  and  so  offered  to  sing  his 
favorite  songs,  well  aware  that  her  voice  would  also 
reach  other  ears.  He,  however,  was  perfectly  con 
tent,  as  he  sat  by  her  side,  gazing  on  her  beautiful 
face  and  drinking  in  the  sweet  music.  Many  of  the 
songs  he  requested  were  sacredly  associated  with 
mother  and  home,  and  were  now  by  her  voice  made 
doubly  dear.  Graham  had  no  sisters,  and  hereto 
fore  had  been  thrown  very  little  in  young  ladies' 


28  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

society.  His  mother,  an  educated  and  refined  Chris 
tian  woman,  had  taught  him  to  admire  and  rev 
erence  all  that  was  pure  and  beautiful,  and  had 
unconsciously  by  her  consistent  life  become  his 
standard  of  true  womanhood.  Now  as  he  met 
intimately  a  fascinating  girl  like  Ada  Hunt,  it  did 
not  require  much  effort  to  secure  him  as  her  captive. 

She  read  his  character,  and  felt  that  if  she  could 
gain  the  heart  of  a  man  who  had  not  frittered 
away  his  power  of  loving  in  numerous  flirtations, 
it  would  be  a  worthy  trophy  to  lay  on  the  altar 
of  her  vanity.  She  knew  it  was  an  ideal  char 
acter  he  had  enshrined  in  her  lovely  outward 
semblance,  and  she  determined  as  long  as  his  atten 
tions  amused  her,  or  could  serve  her  interests,  to 
keep  up  the  delusion.  She  was  a  perfect  actress, 
every  word,  look  and  gesture  was  studied  for  effect, 
yet  bore  that  apparent  frankness  and  self-forgetful- 
ness  which  is  the  highest  art.  Before  Graham  she 
appeared  an  amiable,  generous  girl,  who  had  always 
been  hampered  by  straightened  circumstances  from 
indulging  her  noble  impulses.  She  claimed  to  be 
an  ardent  church-woman,  and  attended  all  services 
with  strict  fidelity. 

At  the  time  of  Julia  Earle's  arrival  Graham  would 
as  soon  have  doubted  his  mother  as  this  girl. 

When  she  bade  him  good-night,  he  was  too  ex 
cited  to  sleep,  and  resolved  to  walk  down  to  the 
road,  where  he  could  see  if  all  was  right  at  the  col- 


A   MINER'S  GRIEVANCE. 


29 


liery.  It  was  a  beautiful  winter  night.  The  moon, 
well  advanced  in  its  second  quarter,  made  the  snow 
sparkle,  and  defined  the  shadows  of  the  trees  with 
a  minuteness  that  revealed  every  twig.  The  air 
was  bracing,  but  not  sharp.  With  a  happy  heart 
and  buoyant  step  Graham  trod  the  soft  snow,  till 
arrested  near  the  gate  by  hearing  a  groan  as  of  one 
in  distress.  Moving  cautiously  forward,  he  saw  a 
man  seated  on  a  stone  wall  and  leaning  his  head  on 
one  of  the  granite  pillars.  Laying  a  gentle  hand  on 
his  shoulder,  he  said,  "  What's  the  matter,  my 
friend?  Are  you  hurt,  or  in  trouble?" 

The  man  started  up  wildly,  and  raised  a  heavy 
cudgel  as  if  he  would  strike  the  intruder.  Graham 
stepped  back  quickly,  and  stood  facing  him,  with 
his  strong  cane  in  a  position  of  defense  ;  then  said 
in  a  calm,  friendly  voice,  "  Why,  John  Malone,  is 
that  the  way  you  treat  a  friend  ?  " 

The  stick  fell  to  the  ground,  and  the  man  mut 
tered,  in  a  sullen  tone,  "  Indade,  Mr.  Graham,  I'll 
not  harm  ye ;  but  I'm  that  starved  I  must  either 
stale  or  beg  to  kape  the  breath  o'  life  in  me." 

"  I  remember  you  as  a  good,  faithful  workman, 
when  in  my  employ.  I  suppose  you  are  one  of 
the  strikers  now,  though !  Arn't  you  a  Union 
man,  and  don't  they  help  you  ?" 

"  Well,  I  niver  was  a  regular  member,  an'  I'd 
rather  be  after  workin'  than  layin'  round  idle.  But 
the  rest  at  No.  4  struck,  though  I  kep'  on,  till  they 


30  FORGING  THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

scart  me  wid  coffin  letters,  an'  I  had  to  quit.  I've 
a  sick  wife,  niver  able  to  lave  her  bed  all  winter. 
Whin  gettin'  full  wages  it  were  more  thin  I  could 
do  to  kape  out  o' debt.  Now  I'd  nothin*  to  fall 
back  on.  My  Billy  fell  on  the  ice  a  week  back 
an'  broke  his  leg,  and  to-night  Mary,  me  eldest, 
who  did  all  the  work,  has  cum  down  wid  a  faver, 
an'  there's  not  a  scrap  in  the  house  to  ate  or  med 
icine  to  make  'em  better.  I've  been  to  the  stores, 
but  they  won't  thrust  me  any  longer.  What's 
left  but  stalin'  or  starvin'  ?  " 

"  No,  John  ;  go  to  work,  and  earn  an  honest  liv 
ing." 

"  Aye,  an'  be  murthered  fer  tryin'." 

"  No ;  if  the  Union  won't  help  you,  they  have  no 
right  to  keep  you  idle.  You  come  to  the  colliery 
to-morrow.  I  need  another  fireman,  and  will  give 
you  the  work.  Meanwhile,  here  is  some  money  to 
buy  supplies  at  once." 

"  God  bless  ye,  sir,"  said  the  man,  in  a  broken 
voice  ;  "  I'll  cum  in  the  mornin',  and  do  me  best,  if 
they'll  only  let  me.  Shure,  sir,  "  speaking  softly, 
with  a  cautious  look  round,  "  There's  hundreds  of 
men  would  go  in  the  mines  to-morrow,  if  they 
dared." 

"What's  to  hinder?" 

"  Well,  sir,  ye  see  ache  mon  is  afeared  ;  they 
don't  know  who  to  thrust ;  and  these  trades  pro 
pose  to  give  justice  to  all,  and  some  don't  want  to 


A   MINER'S  GRIEVANCE.  31 

work,  an'  are  helped  to  kape  idle.  The  leaders 
tell  the  men  that  you  operators  are  oppressin' 
them,  an'  if  they  stand  firm  for  their  roights,  they'll 
git  'em." 

"  All  I  can  say  is  that  they  have  taken  a  wrong 
method  to  bring  it  about,  which  they  will  find  out 
to  their  cost.  Good-night,  now ;  you  need  to 
hurry  for  your  provisions,  before  the  stores  are  all 
closed." 

When  Graham  came  down  to  his  office  the  next 
morning,  he  found  a  crowd  of  men  gathered  round 
it.  The  engineer  and  two  firemen  came  forward, 
while  the  former  said  in  a  sullen,  but  respectful  man 
ner,  "  We've  come  to  tell  you,  sir,  that  we  must 
quit  work." 

"  Are  you  going  to  leave  the  mines  to  be  drown 
ed  out?"  asked  Graham.  "Come,  my  men,  don't 
you  see  the  folly  of  such  a  course?  Suppose  you 
could  get  your  terms  in  a  few  days,  if  the  mines 
fill  you  can't  go  in  them  for  months." 

"  I  can't  help  that,"  said  the  first  speaker,  dog 
gedly.  "  You'll  have  to  mind  them  yourselves. 
Then  perhaps  you'll  meet  our  terms  a  little  sooner." 

"  You  are  mistaken  there.  Mr.  Hunt,  and  Mr. 
Gordon's  uncle  who  owns  these  mines,  have  given 
you  their  ultimatum.  While  coal  is  at  the  present 
figure,  you  must  work  at  the  reduction  ;  when  it 
advances,  your  wages  advance.  That,  to  my  mind, 
is  a  fair  and  honest  proposal,  and  you  would  gain 


32  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

more  by  it,  than  spending  your  hardly  saved  earn 
ings  in  a  long  winter's  idleness." 

"  I  believe  you,  sir,  "  replied  the  engineer  ;  "  I've 
no  wish  to  quit,  for  I  was  laying  by  a  good  bit 
against  a  rainy  day.  But  you  see,  in  these  matters 
the  majority  rules,  and  we  have  to  yield.  You're 
an  honest,  fair-spoken  gentleman,  and  I  believe  if 
all  bosses  were  like  you,  we'd  have  no  reason  to 
strike." 

"  I  have  done  my  best  for  you  all,  as  far  as  I 
have  the  power,"  said  Graham ;  "  I  have  tried  to 
secure  you  comfortable  dwellings,  and  taken  every 
precaution  for  your  safety  while  in  the  mines. 
And  now  I  think  I  have  a  right  to  expect  some 
consideration  for  our  interests  also.  The  masters 
have  rights  as  well  as  the  men." 

"  Rights !  "  exclaimed  a  man  in  the  crowd. 
"  Are  they  suffering  hunger  or  going  in  rags  up 
yonder?  "  pointing  toward  Cedar  Ridge. 

"  Tom  Lynch,  did  Gordon  and  Hunt  ever  fail  to 
pay  you  promptly  what  you  earned  ? "  asked 
Graham. 

"  They  want  me  to  do  that  same  work  for  ten 
per  cent  less  money.  What  right  have  these  rich 
oppressors  to  take  that  from  my  wife  and  chil 
dren  ?" 

"  Now,  Tom,  just  reverse  the  case  and  suppose 
you  were  a  rich  man,  who  owned  one  of  these 
mines,  and  the  longer  you  continued  working  the 


A   MINERS  GRIEVANCE. 


33 


less  it  paid.  Would  you  keep  on,  or  stop  ?  Your 
common-sense  and  self-interest  would  tell  you  to 
stop.  This  is  our  position  ;  but  we  say  to  the  men, 
that  would  be  turning  you  out  of  work  in  mid 
winter  ;  your  Union  urges  you  to  strike,  and  makes 
you  believe  that  you  will  be  better  off  for 
months  of  idleness.  Who  can  endure  the  longest  ? 
— the  operator,  or  you  no  longer  earning  what  was 
necessary  to  meet  your  daily  wants?" 

"  Oh !  that's  the  way  they  all  talk.  The  rich 
have  the  power  an'  mane  to  kape,  it  if  we're  trodden 
in  the  dust.  But  we'll  show  'em  the  viper  can 
sting  the  heel  that  grinds  it  down,  even  a  deadly 
bite,"  replied  a  man  named  Bill  McQuaid. 

Graham's  anger  was  rising,  at  the  fellow's  inso 
lent  manner.  He  knew  him  to  be  an  unprincipled 
rough,  who  yet  held  great  influence  with  the 
worst  class.  But,  controlling  himself,  he  looked 
around  and  replied  in  a  calm  but  firm  voice : 
"  There  may  be  some  to  whom  the  vile  epithet 
'viper'  would  apply,  but  most  of  you  I  believe 
to  be  honest,  reasonable  men,  seeing  this  question 
from  your  stand-point  only,  yet  bravely  enduring 
privation  from  adherence  to  what  you  believe  the 
welfare  of  the  majority.  I  respect  your  fidelity, 
where  it  is  maintained  honorably  and  without 
oppression.  But  when  compulsion  is  used,  when  a 
man's  freedom  of  action  is  denied  ;  and  if  he,  rather 
than  suffer  want  or  run  in  debt,  is  willing  to  work 


34  FORGING   THEIR  OWN  CHAINS. 

for  less  than  his  neighbors,  but  cannot  except  with 
risk  to  his  life,  then  I  call  it  mob  law,  the  worst 
kind  of  tyranny.  Labor  is  as  much  an  article 
of  merchandise  as  coal.  When  the  war  made  men 
scarce,  and  the  demand  for  coal  large,  you  could 
command  high  wages.  Now  times  have  changed, 
and  there  are  more  men  than  steady  work  ;  but  in 
this  country  no  man  need  go  hungry  or  in  rags. 
With  the  wide  continent  open  to  him  from  the 
Atlantic  to  the  Pacific — with  public  schools  to 
give  him  an  education — there  is  no  reason  why  he 
should  not  rise,  as  many  another,  to  the  first  rank 
in  the  land." 

"  We've  got  to  arn  our  livin'.  We've  no  time 
for  larnin',  an*  we  don't  need  much,  to  work  under 
ground,"  said  one  in  the  crowd. 

"  You  seem  to  have  plenty  of  time  on  your 
hands  now.  Who  are  your  boss  miners  and  engi 
neers,  but  men  who  by  industry  and  skill  have 
worked  their  way  up?  I  know  a  man  who  began 
as  a  mule-driver,  now  president  of  a  coal  company. 
But  many  of  you  allow  your  children  to  run  idle 
in  the  streets,  bringing  them  up  in  ignorance  and 
shiftlessness.  Then  how  much  of  your  earnings 
is  spent  in  poor  tobacco,  and  worse  whiskey,  that 
would  go  far  in  making  your  homes  comfortable 
and  bringing  you  on  a  nearer  plane  to  the  rich 
man  you  envy." 

"  There's   a   deal  o'  truth  in  that,  sir,"  said    a 


A   MINER'S  GRIEVANCE.  35 

short  Scotchman  named  Dan  Malcome.  "  My 
brother  Ned  is  one  of  those  who're  always  at 
their  books  or  work.  He's  never  failed  a  good 
payin'  position,  and  has  a  nice  sum  laid  by.  But 
I  never  could  save :  I'll  work  as  hard  as  any  mon ; 
then  I  like  to  enjoy  myself;  and,  somehow,  soon 
the  money's  all  gone." 

Boss  Malcome  is  a  stingy  fellow.  He  won't 
join  the  Union  or  pay  a  cent  to  help  us  along. 
The  mean  cuss  will  have  to  quit  this  in  a  hurry 
soon,"  said  Bill  McQuaid. 

"  See  here  !  "  said  Dan,  striding  up  in  front  of 
him,  "  I'm  secretary  of  the  Union  down  here.  We 
agreed  at  our  meetings  that  the  fires  in  this  col 
liery  shouldn't  be  stopped."  And  turning  to  the 
others  he  said,  "  We  know  as  well  as  Mr.  Graham, 
that  it  hurts  our  interest  more  than  theirs,  to  let 
the  mines  fill.  Hadn't  these  men  better  keep  at 
work  ?  " 

"All  right;  agreed,"  responded  a  majority  of 
voices. 

"  But,  Dan,"  spoke  out  one  man,  "  I  think  your 
brother  ought  to  join  us,  an'  help  those  not  work- 
in'." 

"  He  don't  like  the  Union  ;  says  he  got  enough 
of  it  four  years  ago,  at  Scranton.  This  is  a  free 
country,  a  man  has  a  right  to  do  as  he  pleases. 
And  although  he  don't  spend  his  money  in  free 
drinks,  I  know  there's  those  here  as  will  testify  he 


3 6  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

never  shirked  time  or  money  when  they  were  sick 
or  in  trouble.  Tom  Norey,  who  watched  you 
through  the  typhus  fever?  Who  saved  those  men 
almost  smothered  in  fire-damp,  last  November, 
after  he  warned  them  to  keep  away?" 

"  He's  all  right,  let  him  alone.  And  if  these 
fellows  want  to  work  again,  let  'em, "  said  a  voice, 
which  was  indorsed  by  the  better  class  of  men. 

So  the  question  was  settled.  Graham  hoped 
some  of  the  argument  he  had  used  might  be  re 
called  and  have  weight  with  the  sober,  thinking 
men.  They  returned  quietly  to  their  homes,  but 
a  few  drew  off  into  a  narrow  ravine,  and  Graham 
saw  from  his  office  window  that  an  exciting  dis 
cussion  was  in  progress.  As  he  watched,  he  felt 
anxious  lest  fresh  mischief  might  be  brewing,  and 
a  few  worthless  roughs  might  bring  more  trouble 
and  disgrace  on  honest  men  already  bearing  a 
heavy  load.  While  thinking  thus  he  descried 
John  Malone,  the  man  he  had  helped  the  previous 
night,  coming  toward  the  breaker.  He  wondered 
if  they  would  allow  him  to  pass,  and  resolved  that 
if  prevented,  he  would  seek  Dan  Malcome's  influ 
ence,  himself  giving  a  full  statement  of  his  case. 
But  after  a  short  parley,  the  way  was  opened,  John 
came  on,  and  was  soon  quietly  doing  his  work. 

Graham  then  went  to  the  overseer's  room,  and 
going  up  to  a  powerfully  built  fellow,  with  light 
hair  and  sandy  beard,  he  laid  a  hand  on  his  brawny 


A   MINER'S  GRIEVANCE. 


37 


arm,  and  said,  "  Malcome,  do  you  know  they 
threatened  to  stop  the  engine  this  morning,  and 
I  fear  they  would  have  succeeded,  if  your  brother 
hadn't  interposed !  " 

"  I  expected  it,  sir.  Here's  a  coffin-letter  I 
received.  They  hope  to  frighten  me  into  their 
Union,  but  I'm  not  going  to  have  my  earnings 
filched  from  me  by  lazy  scamps  like  Bill  McQuaid 
and  Sam  Walker,  with  their  unmeaning  Jack  o'  Lan 
tern  cry  of  '  stand  for  yer  roights.'  I  go  armed  to 
and  from  home,  and  am  very  cautious.  Here  I  am 
safe  as  long  as  Dan  and  the  better  class  have  the  up 
per  hand.  But  I  fear,  sir,  there  is  some  new  scheme 
in  progress.  Sam  Walker  is  away,  consulting 
with  the  Union  lower  down.  The  men  are  becom 
ing  very  much  straitened  and  are  getting  restive. 
I  fear  there  is  more  trouble  ahead." 

"  I  have  thought  so,  too  ;  but  we  must  keep  the 
pumps  going,  for  their  sakes  as  well  as  ours.  Let 
me  know  if  anything  new  occurs.  You  stand  firm 
by  me,  and  I  will  be  true  to  you.  Now  I  must 
go  home." 


38  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 


CHAPTER  III. 

AN  AGREEABLE   SURPRISE. 

R.  HUNT  was  not  as  successful  in  his 
operations  in  Wall  Street  as  he  hoped. 
So, finding  it  might  be  better  to  look  to 
other  resources  for  help,  he  called  on  Mr. 
Earle,  Grace  and  Julia's  uncle,  and  made  himself 
so  agreeable  that  he  was  invited  to  dine  at  seven. 
He  was  punctual  at  the  hour,  and  exerted  his  best 
powers  to  please  his  hosts.  When  Mrs.  Earle  re 
tired,  the  gentlemen  drew  their  chairs  closer,  lit 
their  cigars,  sipped  their  wine,  and  discussed  the 
financial  questions  of  the  day,  and  probable  issue 
of  events  in  the  future. 

It  did  not  require  much  time  for  a  keen  observer 
like  Hunt  to  take  the  guage  of  the  man  with  whom 
he  was  talking.  He  soon  found  that  his  greatest 
anxiety  was  to  secure  safe  investments  for  his  cap 
ital,  and  especially  the  trust-money  committed  to 
him.  He  made  some  wise  and  careful  suggestions, 
spoke  of  advice  he  had  given  Gordon  in  regard  to 
his  wife's  property,  and  how  satisfactory  it  had 
proved,  and  indirectly  gave  the  impression  that 
her  fortune  was  being  largely  increased  by  his 


AN  AGREEABLE   SURPRISE 


39 


judgment  guiding  Frank.  Mr.  Earle  knew  that 
he  was  the  working  partner,  and  had  most  of  the 
brains  that  conducted  their  business. 

Before  they  parted  that  night,  Hunt  had  p'er- 
suaded  him  to  buy  considerable  stock  in  a  railroad 
of  which  he  was  director,  and  he  left  him  con 
vinced  that  he  was  an  exceedingly  farrsighted,  yet 
honorable  business  man.  Hunt  also  felt  sure  that 
if  he  married  Julia  Earle,  her  uncle  would  more 
readily  intrust  the  care  of  her  property  to  him, 
than  he  had  Grace's  to  her  husband. 

He  resolved  that  he  would  secure  the  young 
lady  as  soon  as  possible. 

He  did  not  imagine  that  this  would  cause  him 
much  difficulty ;  for  it  had  not  required  an  unusual 
amount  of  vanity  to  convince  him,  that  almost  any 
of  the  girls  he  knew  would  accept  an  offer  from 
him.  When  after  a  few  days'  absence  he  rode  home 
on  the  lightning-train,  he  really  pitied  himself  very 
much  for  being  obliged  to  marry  such  a  homely, 
stupid  girl. 

But  a  surprise  was  awaiting  him.  Julia  knew  that 
he  was  to  return  that  night,  and  in  accordance  with 
her  plan  of  entering  into  rivalship  with  Ada  Hunt, 
she  dressed  for  dinner  with  special  care.  She  had 
excellent  taste,  and  her  quick  perceptions  had 
caught  the  Parisian  ladies'  fitness  and  delicacy  of 
touch  in  details.  When  she  entered  the  dining- 
room,  those  who  had  known  her  only  the  past 


40  FORGING  THEIR   0  WN  CHAINS. 

week  scarcely  recognized  her,  yet  could  not  posi 
tively  define  the  change.  She  seemed  like  a  bud 
that  had  just  burst  its  green  leaves,  and  was  un 
folding  with  a  beauty  that  was  as  much  a  promise 
as  a  fulfillment. 

She  met  Hunt  with  a  grace  and  cordiality  that 
both  surprised  and  flattered  him.  As  they  gathered 
around  the  table,  instead  of  being  a  damper  to 
sociability,  she  soon  became  the  life  of  the  cir 
cle. 

When  they  were  all  seated,  Gordon  asked  Hunt, 
"  Is  there  any  important  news  in  the  city  ?  " 
,  "  None  except  that  Mr.   Brown,   a   prominent 
politician,  you  remember,  died  very  suddenly  yes 
terday." 

"  What  was  the  matter  with  him,  my  son  ?  " 
asked  Mrs.  Gordon,  Sr.,  in  a  plaintive  voice. 

"  Heart  disease,  it  was  supposed,  mother." 

"  Do  you  know  what  the  symptoms  were  ?  I  won 
der  if  it  was  like  an  attack  I  had  two  years  ago. 
Don't  you  remember,  Henry,  how  I  breathed 
then  ?  " 

"  I  suppose  you  did,  mother,  but  I  can't  recall 
anything  peculiar  in  the  operation.  In  this  case,  I 
should  imagine  it  ossification,  for  he  was  a  pretty 
tough  old  sinner.  Yet  it's  curious  now,  to  see 
how  they  are  eulogizing  his  memory,  when  last 
week  there  was  no  epithet  too  strong  to  fling 
against  him.  Bah  !  it's  disgusting." 


AN  AGREEABLE   SURPRISE.  4I 

"  I  don't  entirely  agree  with  you,"  said  Graham. 
"  I  think  it  a  merciful  provision  for  us  all,  that,  af 
ter  death,  our  friends  and  the  world  generally,  are 
so  willing  to  forget  the  mistakes  and  wrongs  of  the 
past,  and  recall  but  the  good  points  in  our  char 
acter.  There  are  few  so  debased  as  not  to  have 
some  fine  traits." 

"Well,"  said  Grace,  "I  must  say,  I  don't  like 
this  universal  eulogizing  of  the  dead." 

"  Oh  !  it  makes  little  difference  how  we  live. 
They  are  sure  to  send  us  to  Heaven  when  we  die," 
said  Julia,  carelessly. 

Hunt  laughed,  but  Graham  looked  up  and  met 
her  eye  steadily,  as  he  replied,  "  Did  it  ever  occur 
to  you,  Miss  Earle,  that  although  they  may  send, 
Heaven  may  not  accept?" 

Julia's  eyes  fell,  and  with  an  uncomfortable 
shrug  of  her  shoulders,  she  said,  "  Really,  Mr.  Gra 
ham,  theology  was  one  of  the  ologies  we  didn't 
study  at  our  school." 

"  I  don't  doubt  you  are  well  up  on  the  others, 
Miss  Earle,"  said  Hunt,  with  great  suavity.  "  I 
hope,  though,  you  are  not  '  deeply,  desperately 
blue.'  " 

"  Oh  no.  I  have  only  received  the  fashionable 
school  varnish  ;  I  assure  you,  I  am  delightfully 
shallow." 

"  I  should  think  Mr.  Hunt  would  hardly  require 
that  assurance,"  said  Ada,  in  a  sweet  voice. 


42  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

"  Oh  !  "  replied  Julia,  in  the  same  tone,  "  I 
thought  it  was  so  long  since  he  had  seen  a  school 
girl  he  would  need  the  information." 

Hunt  laughed  outright  at  this  retort  ;  for  Ada, 
although  a  well  preserved  beauty,  was  no  longer 
young,  and  she  knew  that  no  disguise  could  hide 
the  fact  from  him.  But  with  a  graceful  bow  to 
Julia,  she  replied,  "  Certainly  it  is  seldom  he  has 
such  a  charming  specimen  to  study." 

"  Oh,  thanks,"  said  Julia,  looking  up  with  a  mis 
chievous  twinkle  in  her  eyes,  which  met  an  angry 
gleam  in  the  dark  glance  bent  upon  her. 

Graham  had  regarded  Julia  as  a  very  common 
place  girl,  and  no  addition  to  their  circle,  but  now 
that  she  had  cast,  as  he  believed,  an  unwarranted 
slur  upon  his  lady-love,  his  indignation  knew  no 
bounds.  He  therefore  took  pains  to  draw  Ada  in 
to  a  tete-a-tete  conversation,  and  by  the  gentleness 
and  marked  respect  in  his  manner,  show  her  his 
opinion  of  Julia's  rudeness. 

He  told  her  of  his  encounter  with  poor  John 
Malone,  and  the  wretchedness  and  poverty  he  had 
found  in  their  cottage.  Ada  expressed  great  sym 
pathy,  and  wished  she  had  it  in  her  power  to  relieve 
such  want.  As  Graham  listened,  he  did  not  realize 
the  time  and  money  spent  on  the  very  becoming 
dresses  she  wore,  and  how  bitterly  she  resented 
the  hardness  of  the  lot  that  compelled  her  to  steal 
many  an  hour  from  sleep,  to  keep  up  even  an 


AN  AGREEABLE  SURPRISE. 


43 


outward  semblance  of  the  rich  fashionable  ladies 
with  whom  she  associated. 

Julia  meanwhile  was  exceedingly  gay,  and  bursts 
of  laughter  bore  testimony  to  her  witty  descrip 
tions  of  places  she  had  visited,  and  people  she  had 
met.  Hunt's  astonishment  and  gratification  in 
creased  with  every  hour.  Really,  this  girl  was  not 
so  unendurable  as  he  thought !  But  then  he  was 
convinced  that  she  was  no  fool.  Would  she  read 
ily  fall  into  the  trap  he  was  spreading  for  her,  and 
allow  her  wealth  to  be  intrusted  without  question 
to  his  care  ?  He  was  not  exactly  sure  what  her 
marked  change  of  manner  meant.  But  she  in 
terested  and  perplexed  him,  and  was  now  game 
that  was  worth  the  pursuit. 

Ada  Hunt  had  loved  her  cousin  Henry  for  years. 
She  knew  him  well  enough  to  be  certain  that  only 
her  want  of  wealth  and  his  ambition  to  be  rich  had 
stood  between  them  in  the  past.  She  heard  that 
he  had  made  a  great  deal  of  money  since  the  war, 
and  she  hoped  now  that  he  would  follow  the  dic 
tates  of  his  heart.  Therefore  she  had  come  to 
spend  the  winter  with  his  mother,  believing  that  if 
they  were  thrown  constantly  together  she  would 
gain  her  old  power  over  him,  and  the  desire  of  her 
life  be  gratified. 

She  had  used  Graham's  devotion  as  a  foil,  and 
means  of  arousing  jealousy  in  her  cousin,  and  while 
knowing  as  yet  nothing  of  his  business  perplex- 


44  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

ities,  had  discovered  some  obstacle  in  her  path  that 
her  penetration  could  not  reveal.  That  night  the 
conviction  flashed  upon  her  that  Hunt  was  re 
solved  to  marry  Julia,  with  the  view  of  securing 
her  fortune.  The  young  lady  seemed  very  willing 
to  receive  his  addresses,  or  else  was  as  great  a  flirt 
as  herself.  Which  it  was  she  could  not  tell,  but 
she  did  not  doubt,  that,  if  Julia  began  in  sport,  she 
would  end  in  earnest. 

She  could  listen  no  longer  to  Graham,  so  gradu 
ally  drew  him  into  the  circle  gathered  around  Julia 
in  the  parlor,  who  was  still  the  principal  talker. 

Ada  then  tried  continually  to  confuse  her  and 
put  her  into  a  false  position  ;  but  Julia  was  on  the 
alert,  and  parried  every  thrust  with  good-humored 
wit.  Hunt  listened  and  applauded,  till  the  furies 
seemed  biting  at  Ada's  heart,  and  she  grew  almost 
savage  in  her  animadversions  upon  Julia's  views  of 
music  and  art,  into  which  the  conversation  had 
drifted.  Ada  spoke  eloquently,  and  showed  greater 
knowledge  of  the  subject  than  Julia,  and  she  man 
aged  to  keep  the  sympathy  of  Graham  with  her, 
often  appealing  to  his  opinion,  as  she  found  that 
he  also  was  well  informed.  She  never  appeared 
more  beautiful,  her  cheeks  were  flushed,  and  fire 
flashed  from  her  magnificent  black  eyes.  Julia  saw 
she  was  no  match  for  her,  and  beat  a  retreat  as 
quickly  as  she  could,  on  the  plea  of  youthful  inex 
perience.  Grace  came  forward  and  made  a  diver- 


AN  AGREEABLE   SURPRISE. 


45 


sion  by  proposing  a  moonlight  sleigh-ride,  the  first 
of  the  week.  All  entered  heartily  into  the  plan, 
and  parted  for  the  night  apparently  in  the  best 
humor. 

When  Julia  entered  her  room,  she  threw  open 
the  broad  casements,  and  leaned  out,  to  enjoy  for 
a  few  moments  the  charming  winter  landscape. 
The  moon  was  shining  above  the  white  hills  oppo 
site,  and,  looking  through  bars  of  fleecy  clouds, 
made  of  them  a  silvery  veil.  But  Julia  saw  also 
Maurice  Graham's  form,  walking  slowly  to  and  fro 
between  the  dark  cedars,  and  with  an  angry  flush 
she  recalled  his  reply  to  her  flippant  remarks  about 
Heaven,  and  it  again  stung  her  conscience.  She 
had  never  been  under  religious  influence,  except 
during  her  last  year  at  school.  Now,  as  she  gazed 
on  the  pure  snow  and  solemn  starlight,  some  chain 
of  association  brought  b&ck  to  her  memory  the 
weeks  when  she  had  watched  a  dear  room-mate 
sicken  and  die  with  consumption.  She  was  a  love 
ly  young  Christian,  whose  quiet  words  had  often 
controlled  Julia's  reckless  moods.  Julia  never 
doubted  her  sincerity,  or  that  her  pure,  peaceful 
life,  and  patience  under  prolonged  suffering,  was 
other  than  the  result  of  an  humble,  clinging  faith. 
She  had  not  witnessed  her  death,  but  she  shud 
dered  as  she  remembered  the  pale  waxen  form,  so 
wasted  and  cold  in  its  white  shroud.  Where  was 
she?  Buried  forever  in  that  lonely,  desolate, 


46  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

foreign  graveyard,  or  a  happy  glorified  spirit,  wait 
ing,  as  she  had  promised,  near  the  pearly  gates  for 
her  coming?  As  Julia  recalled  her  careless  life 
since,  Graham's  words  again  stung  her  conscience, 
with  the  thought  of  what  might  be,  if  a  sudden, 
call  should  summon  her  hence.  But  closing  the 
blinds,  she  went  and  sat  down  before  her  mirror, 
and  the  reflection  of  full  flushed  cheeks,  and  spark 
ling  eyes,  banished  thoughts  of  death.  When 
sickness  came,  she  would  prepare  for  the  future. 
Now  she  was  going  to  sip  a  little  of  the  cream 
of  life.  When  it  grew  bitter,  would  be  time  enough 
to  do  penance.  Possibly  she  might  become  a 
sister  of  charity.  Their  dress  was  very  becoming. 
But  that  was  supposing  she  didn't  marry  ;  and  then 
her  mind  became  interested  in  deciding  the  state 
of  feeling  between  Ada  Hunt  and  her  cousin.  She 
was  sure  Ada  loved  him,  and  was  only  trifling  with 
Graham.  Was  Hunt  doing  the  same  with  her, 
only  to  amuse  himself  and  arouse  jealousy  in  Ada  ? 
She  resolved  to  watch,  and,  if  that  was  his  plan,  to 
meet  him  on  his  own  ground.  What  a  Nemesis  she 
might  prove  to  them  both  !  Surely  this  was  the 
mission  of  her  visit— avenging  the  wrongs  of  the 
innocent  and  true.  Having  reached  this  conclu 
sion,  with  a  smile  of  self-complacency,  she  blew 
out  her  light,  and  in  a  few  moments  slept  the  sleep 
of  the  just. 


A   DAY  OF  REST. 


47 


CHAPTER  IV. 

A  DAY   OF  REST. 

T  was  later  than  usual,  Saturday  night, 
when  Ned  Malcome  finished  his  week's 
work,  and  started  for  home.  He  lived  on 
the  mountain  slope,  a  mile  from  the  col 
liery.  He  chose  this  spot,  because  he  had  a  blind 
mother  and  delicate  sister  to  provide  for,  and  the 
high  land  agreed  with  them  better.  But  it  made 
a  long,  lonely  walk  for  him,  now  that  there  was  so 
much  lawlessness  in  those  regions.  He  knew  he 
had  enemies,  but  he  always  carried  loaded  pistols, 
and  as  he  was  a  brave,  powerful  fellow,  he  did  not 
feel  much  anxiety. 

But  that  day  he  had  again  received  threatening 
letters,  and  now  he  walked  rapidly,  with  a  cautious 
step,  and  ear  alert  for  every  sound.  As  he  was 
passing  a  clump  of  cedars,  he  heard  a  slight  rustle, 
and  saw  a  dark  figure  move  slowly  out,  to  meet 
him  on  the  other  side.  Cocking  his  pistol,  he  held 
it  ready  for  use,  and  demanded  in  a  stern  voice, 
"  Who's  there?" 

"  For  God's  sake !  don't  fire  ;  it's  me,  Ned,"  ex 
claimed  a  trembling  woman's  voice.  He  dropped 


4 8  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

his  weapon,  sprang  forward,  and  clasped  both  the 
girl's  outstretched  hands,  as  he  said  in  tones 
shaken  with  terror  :  "  Bessie  Walker  !  how  come 
you  so  late  in  such  a  lonely  spot?  I  might  have 
shot  you." 

"  To  see  you,  Ned,"  said  the  girl,  in  alow,  falter 
ing  voice. 

"  But  why  run  the  risk?  I  was  coming  to  your 
house  to-night.  Are  you  sure  it  was  not  to  meet 
somebody  else?  "  and  he  looked  around  in  keen 
suspicion.  The  girl  drew  herself  up  with  offended 
dignity,  as  she  replied  :  "  If  you  think  so  poorly 
of  me,  it  is  indeed  a  pity  I  risked  so  much,"  and 
she  attempted  to  withdraw  her  hands. 

But  Malcome  held  them  with  a  firmer  grasp,  as 
in  a  tender  tone  he  asked,  "  Was  it  to  save  me 
from  trouble  or  danger?" 

"Yes,  Ned,"  she  replied,  looking  up  then  with 
trusting  fidelity  in  her  large  brown  eyes  ;  "  it  was  to 
prevent  your  coming  that  I  met  you  here.  Father 
says  we  can't  keep  company,  any  longer,  and  if  you 
had  seen  him,  he  would  have  talked  in  such  a  way, 
that  I  feared  you  might  get  angry,  and — Ned,  there 
is  trouble  ahead." 

"  But,  Bessie,  why  does  he  turn  against  me  now? 
He  knows  I  have  a  snug  sum  laid  by  in  the  bank, 
and  that  I  will  be  able  to  take  good  care  of  a  wife." 

"  It's  all  Uncle  Sam's  fault.  He  has  great  influ 
ence  with  father,  and  he's  mad  because  you  don't 


A   DAY  OF  REST. 


49 


join  the  Union.  He  says  your  holding  out,  and 
getting  such  wages,  is  making  others  dissatisfied. 
You  must  be  made  to  give  in." 

"  And  to  separate  us  is  the  surest  way  to  bring 
it  about,"  said  Malcome,  bitterly.  "  But  he'll  find 
that  won't  work,  since  you  have  shown  the  courage 
to  meet  me  here,  my  bonnie  Bessie,  we  can  bid  de 
fiance  to  his  plans." 

"  But,  Ned,  if  you  were  a  member  of  the  Union, 
we  could  meet  as  usual,  and  bad  men  wouldn't 
have  a  handle  against  you.  Bill  McQuaid  suspects 
you  are  his  rival.  I  have  been  very  careful  not  to 
fasten  his  suspicions  on  you,  for  there  isn't  any 
thing  he  wouldn't  do.  I  don't  like  it,  that  he  is 
such  friends  with  Uncle  Sam  now,  and  in  our  store 
so  much  of  the  time." 

"O  Bessie!  I  can't  bear  that  you  should- even 
pass  the  time  o'  day  with  that  bad  man.  " 

"  Yes,  I  can't  endure  him.  It  is  only  for  your 
sake  I  allow  him  to  speak  to  me.  Think  what  a 
dangerous  enemy  he  would  make ;  and  your  posi 
tion  gives  him  a  good  pretext  to  injure  you.  " 

"  Bessie,  your  Uncle  Sam  and  a  few  others  want 
to  push  things  to  extremes  here,  stop  the  fires  and 
let  the  mines  fill.  As  long  as  I  am  not  a  member, 
they  can't  remove  me,  except  by  force,  and  the 
majority  of  the  men  would  rather  I  remained,  and 
they  know  it.  Mr.  Graham  thinks  that  when  Mr. 
John  Gordon  comes,  he  can  persuade  him  to  make 
3 


50  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

an  arrangement  to  which  the  best  of  them  will  agree, 
and  go  to  work.  So  I  want  to  keep  all  ready." 

"  Oh  !  I  wish  he  would  come  right  away,  and 
end  this  terrible  suspense.  You  have  no  idea  how 
some  families  are  pinched,  and  running  up  bills  at 
our  store.  Some  are  as  much  as  four  hundred  dol 
lars  in  debt." 

"  I  shouldn't  think  your  father  would  want  the 
strike  to  continue,  or  favor  it  in  any  way." 

"  Oh  !  he  must.  Uncle  Sam  has  great  influence 
with  the  men,  and  he  says  he  will  make  them  pay 
father  what  they  owe.  Then,  if  he  don't  trust 
them  now,  it's  precious  little  he'll  get  when  they 
are  at  work.  Many  of  the  men  are  honest,  and  I 
am  really  sorry  for  them.  There  was  a  meeting 
last  night,  back  of  our  store.  There  is  some  devil 
try  planning,  for  Bill  McQuaid  and  Tom  Lynch 
were  the  chief  speakers.  I  think  Uncle  Sam  was 
in  there,  too.  They  all  came  in  the  store  and  took 
a  drink  afterward.  Bill  seemed  particularly  joy 
ous.  " 

"  O  Bessie !  if  I  could  only  take  you  right 
away  from  all  these  surroundings,  to  my  peaceful 
mountain  home,  and  the  companionship  of  my 
dear  old  mother  and  Annie." 

They  had  been  walking  toward  the  town,  and 
as  Bessie  saw  the  bright  lights,  which  they  were 
nearing,  she  heaved  a  sigh  of  sorrowful  longing, 
and  said,  in  a  faltering  voice:  "I  fear,  Ned,  I'll 


A   DAY  OF  REST,  51 

never  get  there.  Oh  !  I  can't  tell  you  what  I  don't 
fear.  Think  what  it  would  be  for  your  mother  and 
sister  to  have  you  brought  home  wounded  or  dead. 
I  don't  plead  for  myself,  although  I  believe  it 
would  kill  me ;  but  for  their  sakes,"  and  she 
clasped  his  arm  with  both  hands,  and  looked  up, 
her  eyes  brimming  over  with  tears. 

"  O  Bessie  !  don't  urge  me  any  longer.  It  is 
as  much  for  my  comrades'  sake,  as  for  Mr.  Graham, 
I  keep  my  position.  I'll  run  no  foolish  risks,  and 
you  can  help  me,  if  you  will  set  your  woman's  wits 
to  work,  to  find  out  your  uncle  and  McQuaid's 
plans,  and  let  me  know  at  once.  If  they  persist  in 
their  effort  to  stop  the  pumps,  and  drive  us  away, 
I'll  take  steps  to  secure  our  safety." 

"  Why  not  now,  instead  of  waiting  till  the  mis 
chief  is  done?" 

"  Because,"  said  Malcome,  in  a  low  tone,  as  if 
he  feared  some  one  was  close  behind,  "  Mr.  Gra 
ham  don't  wish  to  show  any  distrust.  But  he  will 
bring  troops  here,  if  compelled  by  the  necessity  of 
protecting  the  colliery.  It  is  only  a  few  roughs 
who  are  planning  this  disturbance.  If  they  at 
tempt  it  here,  as  they  have  elsewhere,  he'll  enforce 
the  law,  and  rogues  will  get  their  due." 

Just  then  a  man  passed  them,  and  threw  up  a 
dark-lantern,  revealing  them  plainly  ;  but  by  one 
gleam,  before  he  closed  it,  they  recognized  him  as 
Sam  Walker.  Bessie  shuddered,  and  clung  close 


52  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

to  Malcome.  He  ground  his  teeth,  and  for  a  mo 
ment  doubled  his  fist,  as  if  he  would  like  to  fell  to 
the  earth,  the  man  who  was  moving  on  so  rapidly 
in  front  of  him.  But  instead,  he  turned  down  a 
side  street,  where  Bessie  could  gain  her  home  by  a 
back  entrance,  unobserved.  Holding  her  fast  for 
a  moment,  he  asked  :  "  Dearie,  will  you  be  true  to 
me,  let  come  what  will  ?  " 

"  Can  you  doubt  me,  Malcome  ?" 

"  Surely  I  have  no  right,  after  to-night.  But  it 
may  not  be  easy  for  us  to  meet  often.  Write  to 
me,  if  you  hear  anything  I  ought  to  know.  Good 
night,  now  ;  God  keep  my  darling  !  " 

They  exchanged  a  silent  caress ;  then  Ned 
watched  till  the  door  closed  on  her,  when  he 
turned,  and  walked  slowly  home. 

Sunday  morning,  after  a  late  and  scanty  breakfast, 
Dan  Malcome  told  his  wife  that  he  was  going  up 
on  the  mountain  for  a  while,  to  see  his  mother  and 
Ned.  He  lit  his  pipe,  and  in  a  gruff  voice  bade 
his  two  boys  go  back,  as  they  were  following  him. 
He  did  not  feel  in  a  good  humor.  That  day's 
supplies  were  low ;  his  wife  was  discouraged 
and  complaining;  his  children's  clothes  were 
ragged  and  insufficient  for  the  qold,  and  the 
prospect  ahead  looked  very  gloomy.  The  Sab 
bath  stillness  of  the  mountain,  in  its  pure  white 
mantle,  did  not  soothe  or  divert  his  thoughts,  as 
with  sullen  brow  and  downcast  eyes,  he  climbed 


A    DAY  OF    REST. 


53 


the  steep  path  that  made  a  short  cut  to  his 
brother's  home. 

When  just  about  to  open  the  door,  he  heard 
singing,  and  glancing  in  the  window,  he  saw  twenty 
or  thirty  children,  standing  in  a  group  about  Mr. 
Graham,  and  his  brother  and  sister,  who  were  lead 
ing  them  in  a  familiar  hymn,  while  his  old  blind 
mother,  seated  in  her  rocking-chair,  was  leaning 
eagerly  forward,  with  a  happy  smile  on  her  face, 
and  her  thin,  wrinkled  fingers  beating  time  on  the 
arm  of  her  chair.  The  room  was  tidy,  and  cheer 
ful  with  sunlight  and  a  bright  fire.  A  glance  took 
it  all  in,  but  with  a  muttered  oath  he  strode  rapid 
ly  farther  up  the  mountain. 

Reaching  an  old  stump,  he  brushed  away  the 
snow,  and  sat  down,  panting  for  breath.  Beneath 
him  lay  his  home  in  the  miners'  village,  and  the 
black  coal-breaker,  with  its  buildings  adjoining, 
then  the  ice-bound  river,  and  great  hills  rising  be 
yond.  To  the  right  was  a  fine  view  of  the  stately 
mansion  on  Cedar  Ridge,  while  just  below  him  a 
light  column  of  smoke  curled  up  from  his  brother's 
cottage,  and  faintly  the  sound  of  their  voices 
came  to  his  ear. 

"  Bah  !  "  he  said,  taking  the  pipe  from  his  mouth, 
and  striking  the  ashes  on  the  stump,  "one  would 
think  Ned  had  enough  o'  that  when  we  were  lads. 
I  can't  remember  the  time  I  didn't  dread  Sunday, 
sitting  in  kirk  for  hours,  on  hard  seats,  and  if  I 


54  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

stirred  hand  or  foot,  father  put  on  a  stern  look 
that  I  knew  meant  whipping,  or  long  verses  out  o' 
the  Bible  or  catechism  to  learn  by  heart.  I  vowed 
if  I  once  got  clear,  it  was  precious  little  I'd  have 
to  do  with  it,  or  my  bairns  either." 

While  these  thoughts  were  passing  through  his 
mind,  the  children  were  dismissed,  and  he  saw 
them  going  along  the  road  in  happy  little  groups. 
Then  Mr.  Graham  and  his  brother  came  in  sight, 
talking  earnestly.  Dan  was  afraid  he  would  miss 
seeing  Ned,  so  gave  a  peculiar  whistle,  which  had 
been  a  signal  between  them  since  boyhood.  Ned 
looked  up  and  recognized  him,  and  bidding  his 
companion  good-bye,  began  climbing  to  his  posi 
tion.  When  within  speaking  distance,  he  called, 
"  Hallo,  Dan !  what  are  you  doing  here?  Why 
didn't  you  come  to  the  house  ?  " 

"  Na,  na  ;  I  had  eneuch  o'  prayin'  and  singin' 
when  a  laddie.  I  wadna  hae  mair  o'  that,"  he  re 
plied,  in  the  broad  Scotch  he  sometimes  used  with 
his  brother,  and  always  when  addressing  his  mother. 

"  It  wadna  hurt  ye,  or  your  ain  bairns,  either," 
replied  Ned.  Then  seating  himself  beside  Dan, 
he  continued  earnestly  :  "  That's  the  trouble  ;  you 
always  swing  off  to  the  opposite  extreme.  May 
hap  father  was  a  little  too  strict  and  stern,  but  now 
you  will  have  naught  to  do  with  religion,  calling  it 
all  gloomy  fanaticism,  when  I  believe  it  a  gospel 
of  love  and  glad  tidings." 


A   DAY  OF  REST. 


55 


"  Well,  well,  I  wish  you  would  teach  that  gospel 
to  the  owners  of  these  mines,  and  they  would  give 
us  our  rights.  Your  religion  may  be  very  well,  for 
the  next  world,  if  there  is  one.  It  isn't  much  but 
talk  here.  When  it  comes  to  action,  I  find  money 
is  the  God  for  them  all,  and  the  main  question  is, 
'  Does  it  pay?  '  I  tell  you  what,  Ned,"  said  Dan, 
bringing  his  fist  down  hard  on  the  old  stump, 
"  Things  are  getting  to  a  desperate  pass  with  us  ; 
many  of  our  best  and  most  trustworthy  men  are 
being  driven  to  the  wall.  I  don't  know  what  will 
be  the  end,  if  the  operators  hold  out  much  longer." 

"  Is  there  any  hope  that  they  will  yield  ?  " 

"  None  that  I  can  see,  although  Sam  Walker 
thinks  Gordon  and  Hunt  will  have  to  give  in  soon  ; 
but  things  may  go  on  till  the  men  take  redress  in 
their  own  hands." 

"  Which  means  riot  and  bloodshed,  'rousing  the 
indignation  of  the  country  against  them,  and  in 
juring  their  cause  infinitely  more  than  it  can  help. 
Laborers  in  the  mass  stand  a  poor  chance  against 
capital  and  corporations.  What  did  we  gain  by 
our  strike  four  years  ago,  but  an  immense  amount  of 
privation  and  suffering,  then  after  a  long  suspense, 
entered  the  mines  burdened  down  with  debt  at 
lower  wages  than  when  we  struck.  It  seems  to  me 
that  these  unions  injure  more  than  they  help. 
What  right  has  any  one  to  dictate  to  me  whether  I 
shall  work  or  not,  and  what  wages  I  shall  get  ?  " 


j6  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

"  Why,  Ned,  that  is  just  what  these  companies 
are  doing,  and  we  unite  together  to  resist  their 
tyranny." 

"Yes,  and  they  take  it  easy,  and  often  are  gain 
ers  thereby,  and  you  and  your  families  are  driven 
to  starvation.  I  wonder  why  there  must  always  be 
this  conflict  between  labor  and  capital  ;  one  can't 
do  without  the  other.  If  each  would  only  prac 
tice  the  Christian  rule,  '  Do  as  you  would  be  done 
by!'" 

"Ay,  but  in  business  each  looks  out  for  Number 
one,  and  your  devout  superintendent  is  as  eager 
for  it  as  the  rest." 

"You  are  mistaken  there;  his  plan  is,  that  the 
miner  should  have  a  certain  per-centage  on  each 
ton  of  coal,  and  that  should  be  regulated,  as  the 
employers,  by  the  market  price." 

"  That  has  been  tried,  and  the  miners  liked  it 
and  were  laying  up  money  under  it,  but  the  opera 
tors  were  not  willing  to  continue.  They  want  to 
grind  us  down  to  be  white  slaves,  and  we'll  starve 
rather  than  submit." 

"  Now,  Dan,  there  is  another  side  to  that  ques 
tion.  As  I  understand  it,  the  miners'  wages  were 
not  to  go  below  a  certain  mark,  no  matter  how  the 
market  stood,  but  when  there  was  a  rise  they  were 
to  profit.  If  this  is  to  be  a  fair  co-operation,  the 
miner  must  share  the  risks.  There,  you  see,  the 
men  failed  on  my  rule.  But  I  believe  and  know 


A   DAY  OF  REST. 


57 


from  experience,  that  if  a  man  is  honest  and  indus 
trious,  and  does  his  work  thoroughly,  he  will  never 
fail  a  good  paying  position.  As  you  know,  it  is  the 
lazy  and  inefficient  that  are  dropped  first,  when 
work  is  slack,  and  my  objection  to  these  unions 
is  that  they  help  to  support  that  class,  and  prevent 
the  really  trustworthy  men  from  earning  an  honest 
living." 

"  Well,  I  don't  know  but  you're  right.  Yet  we 
are  in  for  it  now,  and  I  tremble  for  what's  coming. 
There's  a  few  men,  like  Bill  McQuaid  and  others 
we  know,  who  are  ready  for  any  mischief.  I 
fear  your  position  will  not  long  be  safe.  Hadn't 
you  better  go  away  for  a  while?  " 

"  No,  Dan.  I  promised  Mr.  Graham  to  stick  to 
my  post,  and  I'll  not  be  such  a  coward  as  to  fly 
from  the  threats  of  such  worthless  scamps." 

"  Yes,  but  your  life  wouldn't  be  worth  a  pin,  if 
they  planned  to  take  it." 

"  And  yet  you  ask  me,  a  Christian,  to  join  a 
society  that,  however  you  may  gloss  it  over,  deals 
in  murder." 

"  That's  putting  it  pretty  stiff.  It's  these  roughs 
who  are  responsible  for  such  acts." 

"  Sam  Walker  talks  very  plausibly.  But  if  there 
is  riot  and  bloodshed  in  these  regions,  on  his 
shoulders  the  responsibility  will  rest.  Were  you 
at  the  meeting  Friday  night  ?  " 

"  I  did  not  know  they  had  one." 


58  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

"  No.  Such  men  as  you  and  your  comrades, 
who  would  fight  this  out  honorably,  were  not 
wanted.  I  find  it  necessary  to  keep  well  posted, 
and  mean  to  know  still  more.  I  think  I  shall  re 
main  at  the  colliery,  nights.  I  don't  want  to  ex 
pose  mother  and  Annie.  I  shall  look  out  for  them 
as  best  I  can  and  shall  commission  you  to  do  the 
rest,  and  see  to  their  comfort.  Come  to  my  room 
at  the  breaker,  to-morrow,  and  I  will  lend  you 
some  money  for  present  use." 

"  Thank  you,  Ned.  You've  been  a  true  brother, 
and  I  don't  know  but  you've  taken  the  better 
course.  There's  one  thing  I'll  do  for  you,  I'll 
keep  a  sharp  look  out  that  you  are  not  molested. 
I  have  considerable  influence,  and  can  make  this 
place  too  hot  for  those  men,  if  they  disturb  mat 
ters  any  more." 

"  Well,  come  down  and  take  dinner  ;  I  see  Annie 
looking  for  me." 

They  entered  the  cottage  and  found  the  table 
supplied  with  a  simple,  but  abundant,  and  well- 
cooked  dinner.  The  blind  mother's  chair  was 
drawn  up  on  the  side  nearest  the  fire,  and  Annie 
sat  beside  her.  She  was  a  slender  girl,  with  skin 
of  transparent  fairness,  and  blue  eyes,  usually  sad 
and  drooping.  As  they  came  in  she  looked  at  her 
brother  Dan  with  a  mingled  expression  of  anxiety 
and  caution  for  her  mother. 

Passing  close  by  her,   Ned  whispered,  "  There's 


A   DAY  OF  REST. 


59 


no  cause  for  alarm,"  then  said  to  his  mother, 
"  Here's  Dan,  come  to  see  ye." 

"Ah  !  laddie,  its  long  sin  ye  were  here.  I  was 
some  feared  ye  had  forgat  your  auld  mither." 

"  Na,  na,  dinna  think  that  ;  but  I've  had  mair 
time  nor  heart  for  visitin*.  I  canna  tell  whin  I've 
sit  down  to  sae  gran'  a  feast.  We.'ve  had  sair 
times,  mither,  an  the  oppressor  is  grindin'  us 
hart." 

A  warning  look  from  Ned  and  Annie  checked 
him. 

"  What  div  ye  mean,  Dan?"  asked  his  mother. 

"  Weel,  it's  the  way  o'  the  warl.  The  puir  fowk 
hav'  to  pinch,  that  the  rich  may  fare  sumptuously." 

"  Dinna  be  discontent  wi'  ye  lot,  me  bairn. 
We  have  muckle  to  be  thankfu'  for.  God  gies  us 
all  mair  nor  our  desarts." 

"  Weel,  weel,  I  am  no  sae  sure  o'  that.  I  ken 
some  wha'  have  a  devilish  hard  life,  an'  they's  na 
waur  than  their  neebors,  and  I  doubt  na,  money's 
far  better." 

"  In  this  warl  ye'll  have  tribulation.  But,  '  I've 
overcome  the  warl,'  says  the  gude  master.  Think 
o'  the  sabbath  rest  beyon',  o'  the  gran'  marriage 
supper  o'  the  Bride  an'  the  Lamb,  an'  what  it  will 
be  to  sit  doon  there.  It's  but  a  wee  whiles,  the 
struggle  and  the  waitin',  thin  the  joy  that  remain- 
eth." 

And,  forgetting  her  surroundings,  the  old  wo- 


60  FORGING  THEIR  OWN  CHAINS. 

man's  thoughts  seemed  lifted  entirely  from  earth. 
Shut  up  to  physical  darkness,  and  knowing  naught 
of  the  turmoil  of  conflicting  interests  and  passions 
surging  around  her,  the  peace  of  God  which  passes 
human  knowledge  had  taken  possession  of  her 
heart,  and  she  was  like  one  patiently  waiting  her 
term  of  exile,  till  she  could  join  the  loved  ones 
gone  to  that  heavenly  home. 

Her  hearing  now  was  much  impaired,  and  only 
answered  readily  to  her  broad  mother  tongue.  So 
Dan  and  his  brother  and  sister  talked  softly  to 
gether,  and  their  voices  did  not  disturb  her 
thoughts. 

Their  father  had  been  a  small  Highland  farmer, 
and  a  strict  Covenanter.  The  Earl  on  whose  es 
tate  he  lived,  decided  to  include  the  farm  in  his 
pleasure  park,  so  he  gave  them  notice  to  leave.  A 
brother  was  living  in  a  town  in  Pennsylvania,  and 
there  they  joined  him.  The  children  grew  up  and 
received  strict  home  training  and  a  public  school 
education.  About  ten  years  previous,  both  father 
and  uncle  were  suddenly  killed  by  an  explosion  in 
a  machine-shop.  The  boys  then  went  into  the 
mines,  and  about  two  years  ago  had  entered  the 
employ  of  Gordon  and  Hunt,  and  moved  to  their 
present  habitations. 

It  was  near  sunset  when  Dan  rose  to  leave.  He 
had  been  in  an  atmosphere  of  peace  and  love  that 
had  recalled  all  the  good  influences  of  his  boyhood. 


A   DAY  OF  REST.  6 1 

As  he  stood  in  the  open  doorway,  bidding  them 
good-by,  the  hills  all  about  him  were  bathed  in  a 
flood  of  golden  light,  till  they  seemed  like  the  de 
lectable  mountains,  of  which  he  used  to  read  in 
Pilgrim's  Progress.  The  sun  was  yet  poised  in  the 
western  sky,  while  around  it  clouds  ranged  one 
above  another  in  gold  and  crimson  masses,  like 
glittering  phalanxes  guarding  his  throne. 

"  Dan,  can  you  look  on  that  and  still  believe 
there  is  no  God?  "  asked  Ned  ;  then,  in  a  reverent 
voice,  repeated,  "  As  the  mountains  are  round  about 
Jerusalem,  so  the  Lord  is  round  about  his  people 
from  henceforth,  even  forever." 

"  Well,  Ned,  in  my  present  mood  I  feel  I  can 
believe  anything ;  but  this  light  will  pass  in  a 
moment,  and  those  clouds  shut  down  heavy,  with 
biting  wind  and  driving  snow.  So  the  doubts 
gather  over  me.  You  have  quoted  your  promise, 
but  that  don't  seem  to  stand.  They  say  the  moun 
tains  of  Jerusalem,  now  waste  and  barren,  are  in 
possession  of  the  Turks,  and  his  people,  scattered 
far  and  wide,  seem  but  poorly  cared  for." 

"  Ah !  but  it's  because  of  their  unbelief.  O 
Dan,  don't  fling  aside  the  faith  of  your  fathers. 
The  clouds  will  lift,  if  we  only  bide  His  time." 

"  Weel,  weel,  I'll  try,  but  the  flesh  and  the  deil 
is  mair  than  a  man  can  wi'stand,  whin  he  hae  them 
baith  to  fight." 

"  Ay,  if  he  seek  na  stronger  help." 


62  FORGING  THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 


CHAPTER  V. 

THE   SHADOW   OF  DEATH. 

ULIA  EARLE  entered  upon  her  project 
forgiving  justice  to  Ada  and  Mr.  Hunt  with 
avidity.  But  she  soon  began  to  realize, 
that  with  the  latter  it  was  a  losing  game. 
Hunt  could  be  very  fascinating  when  he  chose, 
and  Julia  found  his  society  was  beginning  to  have 
a  charm  for  her  she  had  not  imagined  possible. 
She  found  that  the  hours  he  was  away  dragged 
slowly  by,  and  became  animated,  while  her  eyes 
sparkled  and  cheeks  flushed,  in  his  presence ;  but 
she  grew  pale  and  listless  when  the  stimulus  was 
withdrawn. 

Ada  noted  these  changes  with  a  bitter  smile, 
and  thought,  "  She  will  be  one  more  victim.  He 
will  marry  her  though  to  secure  her  money.  Then 
she  will  find  out  what  his  love-making  is  worth. 
Really,  I  would  warn  her,  were  it  not  that  she 
would  put  it  down  to  jealousy.  She  penetrated 
my  secret  the  first  night  she  came,  but  wouldn't 
believe  one  word  against  him  now.  La  Rochefou 
cauld  says,  '  It  is  more  easy  to  be  wise  for  others 
than  for  ourselves,'  and  I  believe  him.  I  have  dis- 


THE   SHADOW  OF  DEATH.  63 

covered  that  Henry  has  some  operation  on  hand 
now,  that  is  taxing  him  to  the  utmost,  something 
that  will  either  result  in  brilliant  success,  or 
desperate  failure.  Money  is  close,  I  hear  them  say. 
I  more  than  suspect  Grace's  property  is  being 
used,  and  that  little  sum  of  mine  he  holds.  Where 
else  he  helps  himself,  I'm  not  sure.  But  he  is  a 
bold  player  and  large  interests  are  in  his  hands. 
There  is  nothing  I  can  do  now,  but  watch  and 
wait.  A  stranger  has  been  riding  with  him  lately. 
I  must  get  acquainted  with  him ;  perhaps  then  I 
can  obtain  a  clue  to  what  is  in  progress,  and  help 
or  hinder  as  best  subserves  my  interests.  It  be 
hooves  me  to  consider  them  well,  for  I  have  no  one 
to  do  it  for  me.  It  will  be  a  little  variety,  too ;  for 
Graham  is  becoming  very  tiresome,  and  I  never 
can  make  Henry  jealous  of  him." 

So  Ada  watched  and  laid  her  plans,  and  time 
slipped  by,  and  the  projected  sleigh-ride  had  not 
been  taken.  Frank  Gordon  had  a  cold  and  Grace 
would  not  leave  him,  but  urged  the  others  to  go 
while  the  moon  was  at  the  full.  They  finally  con 
sented,  if  the  evening  following  should  prove 
clear. 

It  was  rather  late  when  Julia  came  down  to  break 
fast  that  morning.  All  had  left  the  table  except 
Grace  and  Graham,  who  had  been  detained  at  his 
office ;  Ada  was  still  in  the  room  preparing  some 
toast  for  her  aunt.  Julia's  first  exclamation  was, 


64  FORGING   THEIR  OWN  CHAINS. 

"  Oh !  Grace,  won't  you  order  the  sleigh  right  away, 
and  go  with  me  to  the  town  ?  We  can  select  the 
pattern  for  that  sofa  cushion ;  I  am  so  anxious  to 
begin  it." 

"  We  won't  be  able  to  go  this  morning,"-  replied 
Grace  ;  "  Mrs.  Gordon  wants  to  drive  out,  as  it  is 
such  a  fine  day.  You  and  Ada  can  go  with  her, 
but  she  wouldn't  dare  ride  so  far." 

"  Now,  that's  a  shame.  Whenever  we've  wanted 
to  go  out  together,  ever  since  I  came,  that  selfish 
old  woman  has  put  in  her  claim,  and  everything 
had  to  yield.  I  want  that  worsted  to-day.  It  is 
terribly  stupid  without  some  nice  fancy  work." 

"I  am  sorry,  Julia;  but,  you  know,  she  is  so 
delicate,  that  she  can  only  go  in  pleasant  wea 
ther." 

"  She  is  just  full  of  whims  and  notions.  She  eats 
as  heartily  as  I  do.  Her  disposal  of  that  prairie 
chicken  last  night  didn't  seem  very  delicate.  Yet 
she  was  finding  fault  with  you  all  the  time  about 
it,  and  if  you  would  only  manage  your  servants  as 
she  did — and  all  that.  It  made  me  so  vexed  to  see 
you  sit  there,  as  meek  as  Moses,  never  asserting 
your  rights." 

"Julia,  you  forget  she  is  Mr.  Hunt's  mother, 
and  Frank's  house  is  now  her  home." 

"  I  don't  care,  I  don't  care  a  bit,"  said  Julia, 
passionately;  "  it  is  a  perfect  imposition,  and  if  I 
ever  get  married,  I'll  not  have  a  host  of  my  hus- 


THE   SHADOW  OF  DEATH.  65 

band's  relations  saddled  on  me,  and  dictating  to  me 
how  to  act." 

"  Miss  Earle,"  said  Ada,  in  a  very  gentle  tone, 
"  I  will  tell  my  aunt  you  are  anxious  to  get  that 
worsted,  and  I  know  she  will  give  up  her  ride." 

"  No,  you  needn't.  I  don't  want  to  go  now," 
snapped  Julia,  and  continued  her  breakfast,  while 
Ada  took  up  her  plate  of  hot  toast,  and  walked 
out  of  the  room  with  an  injured  air.  Graham 
looked  indignantly  at  Julia,  and  thought  she  was 
as  disagreeable  a  girl  as  he  ever  met ;  perfectly 
childish  in  her  petulance.  She  caught  his  reprov 
ing  glance,  and  although  an  angry  flush  passed 
over  her  face,  she  said  nothing,  till  Grace,  who  was 
feeling  very  uncomfortable  at  the  position  of 
affairs,  said,  hoping  to  make  all  smooth,  "  Mr. 
Graham,  perhaps  you  would  have  time  to  take 
Julia  to  town  in  the  cutter?" 

Before  he  could  reply,  Julia  said  sharply:  "  In 
deed,  Grace,  I'll  not  go  a  step.  I  was  hoping  we 
might  have  a  nice  cosy  ride  together.  If  we  can't 
have  that,  we  will  stay  at  home." 

Maurice  rose  and  bowed  himself  out,  thankful 
to  escape  her  further  company.  As  he  walked  to 
his  office,  he  thought  of  Burns's  lines : 

"  Oh  !  wad  some  power  the  giftie  gie  us 
To  see  ourselves  as  others  see  us." 

Then  he  imagined  what  she  would  be,  when  the 


66  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

infirmities  of  age  had  deprived  her  of  what  little 
grace  her  youth  gave  ;  and  it  seemed  as  if  old  Mrs. 
Gordon's  complainings  would  be  preferable  to  her 
selfish  whims.  He  recalled  Ada's  thoughtful, 
gentle  ministrations  to  her  aunt,  and  did  not  imag 
ine  that  she  had  any  purpose  of  her  own  to  compass, 
but  put  it  all  to  the  score  of  her  kind,  generous 
nature. 

Grace  said  to  her  sister,  as  he  left  the  room, 
"  Really,  Julia,  it  was  too  bad  of  you  to  speak  in 
that  manner  before  Mr.  Graham  and  Ada.  I  think 
she  believed  you  meant  it  as  a  fling  at  her." 

"  I  am  sorry  if  it  troubles  you.  But,  Grace,  I 
believe  that  girl  is  an  artful,  designing  creature, 
and  she  is  using  your  hospitality  only  as  a  vantage 
ground  to  work  out  her  own  schemes." 

"  Oh!  Julia,  what  reason  have  you  to  think  so?  " 

"  She  wants  to  secure  her  cousin,  Mr.  Hunt,  and 
that  makes  her  so  gracious  to  his  mother.  Now 
if  I  wanted  him  ever  so  much,  I  wouldn't  cuddle 
to  that  old  tyrant's  whims." 

"Pshaw!  little  sister,  you  are  getting  jealous, 
and  that  shows  my  plans  about  Mr.  Hunt  will  be 
fulfilled.  I  shall  expect  to  see  you  accept  him, 
and  the  mother-in-law  too." 

"  Never  the  mother-in-law.  I  will  not  be  im 
posed  on  as  you  are,  and  always  have  been,  since 
I  can  remember.  I  am  willing  to  help  the  truly  de 
serving,  but  I  have  sense  enough  to  detect  frauds." 


THE  SHADOW  OF  DEATH.  67 

"And  you  imply  I  have  not.  Come,  Julia,"  said 
Grace,  rising  with  unusual  dignity,  for  her  gentle 
temper  was  at  last  fully  roused,  "  I  think  this  con 
versation  had  better  close.  I  am,  perhaps,  the 
best  judge  of  my  duties  toward  my  husband's  rela 
tions,  and  if  I  choose  to  bear  with  their  peculiarities, 
I  shall  expect  that  you,  as  my  sister,  will  not 
express  your  opinion  as  freely  as  you  did  before 
Mr.  Graham  this  morning.  If  Mr.  Hunt  had 
heard  you,  he  would  be  careful  how  he  sought 
such  an  amiable  wife." 

"  I  am  sure  I  don't  want  him.  There  is  no  use 
trying  to  open  your  eyes  to  what  is  going  on 
around  you.  Time  will  show  whether  I'm  mistaken, 
and  I  can't  afford  to  quarrel  with  my  only  sister. 
So,  my  darling,  I  ask  your  forgiveness.  I  see  I 
was  naughty  to  unburden  my  mind  so  publicly. 
Henceforth  I  will  endeavor  to  bridle  my  tongue ; 
but,  while  I  muse  the  fire  burns  and  sometimes 
there  must  be  an  explosion,  I  suppose  like  the 
fire-damp.  Those  thoughts  had  been  collecting 
ever  since  I  came,  and  my  disappointment  about 
that  ride  this  morning  was  just  the  spark  to  set  me 
off.  Now,  I  promise  you,  I  will  be  as  fresh  and 
sweet  as  honey." 

"  Well,"  laughed  Grace,  "  when  you  feel  in  dan 
ger  of  another  such  explosion,  please  reserve  it 
for  my  ears  only." 

The  evening  proved  as  clear  and  beautiful  as  the 


68  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

day,  and  directly  after  dinner  the  large  sleigh  was 
ordered,  and  they  started  ;  Julia  and  Hunt  on  the 
back  seat,  and  Graham  and  Ada  their  vis-a-vis. 
Julia  never  looked  prettier  than  in  her  dark  seal-skin 
jacket,  and  soft  fur  cap.  The  latter  fitted  her  small 
shapely  head  so  snugly,  while  the  wind  tossed  her 
brown  curls,  which  were  not  of  artificial  growth,  in 
a  most  bewitching  manner  round  her  flushed 
cheeks  and  sparkling  eyes. 

Even  Graham  could  not  help  admiring  her,  and 
contrasting  her  with  Ada,  who  looked  pinched  ere 
they  had  driven  a  mile  ;  while  her  nose,  which  was 
rather  sharp  and  thin,  received  all  the  color.  She 
knew  that  she  did  not  appear  to  advantage  on  a 
sleigh-ride,  and  it  made  her  ill-humored. 

"Oh!  is  there  anything  more  delightful  than  a 
sleigh-ride  on  such  a  winter  night?"  exclaimed 
Julia,  as  they  skimmed  rapidly  over  the  snow,  to 
the  tune  of  the  silver  bells. 

"Yes,  a  summer  sail  on  yonder  river.  I  don't 
like  winter,"  said  Ada. 

"  You  should  have  been  a  sultana  in  some  east 
ern  harem,"  said  Hunt,  lightly  lifting  one  of  her 
long  black  curls.  "  How  magnificently  you  would 
look  in  their  gorgeous  dress." 

Ada  drew  her  hair  away  with  a  gesture  of  annoy 
ance,  as  she  replied,  "  You  are  mistaken.  I  would 
never  accept  a  divided  position.  I  must  be  queen 
alone,  if  only  in  a  cottage." 


THE   SHADOW  OF  DEATH.  69 

Graham's  eyes  shone  down  upon  her,  as  if  he 
were  hoping  ere  long  to  offer  her  that  position. 
But  with  a  mocking  laugh,  Hunt  replied,  "  Very 
fine  talk,  but  you  are  a  born  aristocrat.  The  cot 
tage  would  have  to  be  exceedingly  commodious, 
with  furnace,  gas,  and  all  the  modern  conveniences. 
Now  this  young  lady,"  turning  to  Julia,  "  I  fancy 
could  manage  to  rough  it,  and  have  a  good  time 
as  she  went  along." 

"  Yes,"  said  Julia,"!  prefer  luxury  and  refine 
ment  ;  but  I  like  to  mix  with  all  sorts  of  people. 
I've  been  contemplating  a  raid  on  the  miners' 
dwellings.  Life  is  so  formal  and  commonplace 
in  our  circles.  You  see  people  without  a  mask 
among  the  poor." 

"  What  a  character  you  give  us !  What  sort  of 
a  face  have  you  beneath  this,  Miss  Julia?"  asked 
Hunt. 

They  all  laughed,  for  a  more  tell-tale  face  than 
hers  could  scarcely  be  found. 

"  I  know,"  she  answered  with  a  blush,  yet  join 
ing  the  laugh,  "  You  think  I  am  not  good  at  dis 
guise,  but  I  may  have  a  thought  or  two  hidden 
away  down,  that  you  don't  suspect." 

Ada  and  Hunt  looked  at  her  anxiously,  but  the 
latter  said  lightly,  "  It  must  indeed  be  very  deep. 
But  as  you  remarked,  one  does  see  amusing  speci 
mens  while  mingling  in  the  vulgar  crowd." 

"  That's  the  reason,"  continued  Julia,  "  that  I  gen- 


70  FORGING  THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

erally  prefer  not  to  ride  in  the  palace  cars,  and  Grace 
thinks  it  so  strange.  But  I  like  to  watch  people 
come  and  go.  I  don't  know  whether  I  ever  told 
you  of  such  a  funny  character  I  once  met  coming 
from  Niagara.  It  was  just  before  I  went  abroad, 
but  she  made  such  an  impression  on  my  memory 
that  I  never  forgot  her.  It  was  a  young  woman  in 
deep  widow's  weeds,  who  sat  in  front  of  me,  and 
a  comfortable  old  country-woman  was  next  to  the 
window.  Soon  the  widow  began  telling  her  com 
panion  her  sorrows,  in  such  a  loud  voice  that  all 
around  had  the  benefit. 

"  She  said,  '  she  went  to  Californy  with  her  hus 
band  for  his  health,  though  he  was  such  a  sickly 
creetur  there  really  wan't  no  use.  But  they  tried 
it,  an'  after  buyin'  a  place,  an'  spendin'  a  heap  of 
money,  he  just  died  ;  and  she  had  to  clean  all 
out,  an'  come  way  home  with  his  remains  ;  as  he 
was  sot  on  bein'  buried  in  the  old  graveyard." 
This  had  cost  her  such  a  deal  of  trouble  and 
money,  and  seemed  to  be  the  main  burden  of  her 
grievances  ;  but  she  talked  it  over  very  cheerfully, 
although  the  good  soul  beside  her  was  full  of  sym 
pathy,  and  interlarded  her  story  with  exclamations 
of  "  La  now,  what  a  pity,  an'  you  a  lone  woman." 
When  the  train  reached  its  first  station,  the  widow 
went  out,  and  I  thought  she  had  reached  her  jour 
ney's  end  ;  but  she  came  back  again,  and  remarked 
that  '  she  had  been  to  look  after  her  husband's 


THE   SHADOW  OF  DEATH.  71 

remains ;'  then  sat  down,  and  unrolled  a  slice  of 
beef-steak  from  a  newspaper  and  offered  her  com 
panion  a  piece.  So  I  found  at  every  station  she 
went  to  look  after  the  '  remains'  and  came  back 
with  some  new  refreshment.  It  really  did  my 
heart  good,  she  was  such  a  cheerful,  yet  devoted 
mourner." 

"  Pshaw!     It's  disgusting!  "  said  Ada. 

"  No,  it  wasn't.  That  was  her  way,  and  she 
looked  much  nicer  than  if  she  had  been  crying  and 
complaining  all  the  time." 

"  And  I  don't  doubt,"  said  Graham,  "  that  she 
was  kind  and  thoughtful  for  her  sick  husband  while 
he  lived.  It  was  her  energy  and  cheerfulness  that 
gave  her  courage  to  go  so  far  for  his  sake,  and 
bring  back  his  body  to  be  laid  among  his  friends." 

"  You  will  make  her  out  a  model  between  you," 
said  Ada. 

"  Well,"  replied  Julia,  "  I  have  as  often  seen  real 
courtesy  and  kind  feeling  among  laboring  men 
and  women  as  in  the  higher  walks  of  life." 

"Your  experience  having  been  so  great!"  said 
Hunt.  "  I  don't  know,  Graham,  but  we  will  have  to 
become  clowns,  if  we  would  gain  that  young  lady's 
favor." 

"  A  man  may  be  that,  as  easily  in  broadcloth 
as  in  corduroy,"  said  Julia  sharply,  for  his  manner 
nettled  her.  Then  quickly  changing  the  subject, 
she  exclaimed,  "  What  a  grand  old  forest ! " 


72  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

They  had  left  the  town,  and  ascending  a  high 
hill  had  reached  its  summit,  and  were  then  passing 
through  a  forest,  expecting  to  descend  and  return 
by  another  circuit.  There  was  something  weird  in 
the  effect  of  the  bare  trees,  which  the  moonlight 
repeated  on  the  snow,  while  here  and  there  tall  fire- 
scathed  pines  loomed  like  dark  specters  above  the 
rest. 

As  Julia  watched  them,  she  said,  "  Do  any  of 
you  remember  that  little  poem  on  Winter,  by  Bay 
ard  Taylor  ?" 

"  I  don't  think  I  ever  saw  it.  How  does  it  go  ?  " 
asked  Hunt. 

"  The  valley  stream  is  frozen, 

The  hills  are  cold  and  bare, 

And  the  wild  white  bees  of  winter 

Swarm  in  the  darkened  air." 

"  I  look  on  the  naked  forest — 
Was  it  ever  green  in  June? 
Did  it  burn  with  gold  and  crimson, 
In  the  dim  autumnal  noon  ?" 

"  Ah  !  yes  !  for  a  thousand  Aprils, 
The  frozen  germs  shall  grow, 
And  the  dews  of  a  thousand  summers, 
Wait  hidden  beneath  the  snow." 

"  I  recall  it  now,"  said  Graham,  "but  you  have 
left  out  a  number  of  verses." 

"  I  know — ."     Just  then  her  words  were  inter- 


THE   SHADOW  OF  DEATH.  73 

rupted  by  the  rapid  discharge  of  firearms,  just  be 
fore  them. 

"  My  God  !  what's  that  ?  "  exclaimed  Hunt,  as 
both  gentlemen  sprang  to  their  feet. 

They  could  see  nothing,  but  the  smell  of  pow 
der  was  strong  on  the  air.  For  a  few  moments,  the 
coachman  had  all  he  could  do  to  control  his  horses, 
and  make  them  stand.  Ada  at  first  gave  a  scream, 
which  Hunt  partly  smothered.  Then  she  crouched 
down  in  the  bottom  of  the  sleigh,  one  arm  thrown 
around  her  cousin,  the  other  hand  grasping 
Graham's. 

"What  is  it?  "asked  Julia,  under  her  breath. 
Hunt  and  Graham  listened,  drew  out  their  pistols, 
and  cocked  them  for  use. 

"  Oh  !  let  us  turn  back,  and  go  home  as  quickly 
as  possible,"  cried  Ada. 

"  We  can't  turn  here,"  said  Hunt,  "  and  there 
are  miles  of  forest  behind  us,  and  but  one  in  front. 
We  must  go  on  ;  I  don't  believe  there  is  any  danger 
for  us.  It  is  probably  some  poor  '  black  leg,'  re 
ceiving  his  punishment  for  disobeying  the  Union." 

"What  do  you  mean?"  asked  Julia. 

"  Why,  some  miner,  who  has  ventured  to  work 
contrary  to  their  orders  ;  and  they  are  teaching  him 
a  lesson." 

"  Horrible!  What  safety  is  there  for  any?"  cried 
Julia.     "We  had  better  go  on,  the  sooner  we  are 
out  of  the  woods  the  better." 
4 


74  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

"  I  have  a  six-shooter  here,"  said  Graham.  Then 
leaning  down  he  whispered  to  Ada,  "  Take  cour 
age  ;  I  will  defend  you." 

But  she  only  moaned,  and  clung  faster  to  her 
cousin.  They  took  off  the  bells,  lest  their  sound 
should  betray  them  ;  then  moved  swiftly  over  the 
soft  snow.  Julia  sat  erect,  striving  to  pierce  through 
the  dark  shadows  with  her  large  startled  eyes.  Her 
cheeks  were  pale,  mouth  compressed,  and  hands 
clenched,  as  if  every  nerve  was  strung  to  its  utmost. 
But  she  was  resolved  to  meet  the  danger,  and  know 
the  worst. 

When  they  had  gone  but  a  few  rods,  she  gave  a 
low  exclamation  of  horror,  for  right  beside  her  on 
the  road,  lay  a  wounded,  bleeding  man.  Graham 
looked,  and  cried,  "  Why  it's  poor  Malone,  the  man 
that  I  made  one  of  our  firemen  last  week." 

"Is  he  alive?"  asked  Hunt,  as  Graham  sprang 
out  to  examine  his  wounds. 

"  Yes,  we  must  take  him  home ;  it  is  just  below 
here." 

"No,  no,"  cried  Ada,  "don't,  for  God's  sake, 
bring  that  man  in  here;  they'll  come  again  and 
kill  us  too." 

"  We  can't  leave  him  to  bleed  to  death,  or  perish 
with  cold,"  said  Graham. 

"  I'll  not  have  him  in  here,"  cried  Ada  passion 
ately.  "  Henry,  have  pity  I  beseech  you,  and  order 
John  to  drive  on.  We  can  send  help." 


THE   SHADOW  OF  DEATH.  75 

"  Yes,  Graham,  it  would  be  very  disagreeable  for 
the  ladies.  If  his  home  is  so  near,  we  can  soon  get 
word  there,  and  they  can  come  to  his  assistance," 
said  Hunt. 

"  There  are  none  to  come.  I'll  stay  with  him, 
and  do  the  best  I  can ;  but  I  fear  he  will  perish 
meanwhile." 

"  Oh !  why  will  you  wait  here,  when  those  ruffians 
may  return,  and  shoot  us  at  any  moment.  If  they 
will  kill  each  other,  let  them  ;  but  why  should  we 
sacrifice  our  lives?"  said  Ada. 

"  Well,  go  on,  John,"  said  Graham. 

"  What,  leave  you  alone  with  that  wounded  man  ! 
No,  Mr.  Graham ;  I  will  ride  on  the  box  with  John. 
Ada  can  have  my  seat,  and  you  can  support  him 
beside  you,"  said  Julia. 

"  Oh  !  if  you  put  him  in  here  I  shall  faint,"  cried 
Ada. 

"  That  will  be  your  best  plan  to  get  over  the 
time,"  said  Julia  tartly.  "  No  doubt  Mr.  Hunt  will 
support  you  gracefully." 

Then  she  sprang  out  beside  Graham,  and  offered 
her  wraps  to  bind  up  the  wounds.  Graham  thought 
that  the  man  would  live  if  he  had  immediate  care ; 
but  he  was  unconscious  from  loss  of  blood.  With 
John's  help  he  lifted  him  on  the  seat  ;  for  Ada 
occupied  all  her  cousin's  attention.  Then  Julia 
mounted  the  box,  and  they  rode  rapidly  down  the 
hill. 


7<5  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

A    RUDE   AWAKENING. 

HEN  they  reached  a  wretched-looking 
house  that  was  more  hut  than  cottage, 
Graham  said  that  that  was  where  Malone 
lived.  As  the  coachman  drew  up  in 
front  of  it,  he  asked  Hunt  if  he  would  go  in  and 
prepare  the  wife  to  receive  her  wounded  husband. 
But  Ada  almost  screamed,  that  "  she  wouldn't  let 
Henry  leave  her,  to  be  murdered  by  any  ruffians, 
who  might  come  along." 

Hunt  had  no  desire  to  undertake  the  disagree 
able  task,  and  pleaded  the  necessity  of  guarding 
the  ladies,  proposing  that  John  should  go  in  first. 
But  Julia  sprang  down,  saying,  "  I  will  tell  her," 
and  not  waiting  for  them  to  answer  her  knock,  she 
opened  the  door  and  stepped  in.  Then  her  heart 
misgave  her,  when  she  saw  the  poverty  and  suffer 
ing  already  before  her.  In  one  corner  of  a  small, 
close  room,  a  woman  lay  on  a  bed,  gazing  at  her 
with  wild  terror-stricken  eyes,  out  of  deep  sunken 
sockets,  and  with  face  and  form  emaciated  as  she 
had  not  thought  a  human  being  could  be  and  live. 


A   RUDE  AWAKENING.  77 

Beside  her,  asleep  in  an  old  rocking-chair  was  a 
pale  young  girl,  about  twelve  years  old,  and  upon 
a  straw  mattress  on  the  floor  was  a  young  boy 
with  his  broken  leg  bound  in  splints. 

How  could  she  tell  them  that  outside  was  the 
father  and  husband,  wounded  possibly  unto  death  ? 
But  her  face  must  have  revealed  bad  news,  for  the 
woman  started  up,  and  in  a  hollow  whisper  asked, 
"  Have  they  killed  him  ?  " 

"  No  ;  oh  no  ;  he  is  alive,  and  not  seriously  hurt, 
I  hope.  We  came  on  just  as  it  happened,  and 
brought  him  home.  Don't  be  so  terrified.  I  as 
sure  you  Mr.  Graham  will  do  all  he  can  for  him, 
and  we'll  have  a  doctor  here  at  once." 

But  the  woman  fell  back,  covered  her  face  and 
moaned  ;  while  the  young  girl  awoke,  started  to 
her  feet,  then  staggered  against  the  wall,  as  Gra 
ham  and  the  coachman  entered,  bearing  the  un 
conscious  blood-stained  form  of  her  father. 

There  was  no  spot  to  lay  him,  but  on  the  bed 
beside  his  wife.  She  leaned  over  him  with  a  wail 
of  anguish  that  pierced  even  to  his  dull  ear.  He 
opened  his  eyes  a  moment,  gave  a  groan  of  pain, 
then  the  darkness  closed  round  him  again.  As 
Julia  stood  there  she  realized  for  the  first  time 
what  poverty  and  suffering,  wasting  sickness  and 
sudden  death  really  meant  ;  for  in  that  short  half- 
hour  she  had  been  brought  face  to  face  with  them 
all  But  now  was  the  time  for  action,  and  she 


7 8  FORGING  THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

came  bravely  forward,  rendering  Graham  the  assis 
tance  there  was  no  one  else  to  give. 

Mrs.  Malone  was  so  exhausted  with  fright  and 
grief,  that  she  could  only  lie  gasping  for  breath, 
while  her  hands  convulsively  clasped  her  hus 
band's.  Mary,  her  young  daughter,  had  not  recov 
ered  sufficient  presence  of  mind  to  be  of  service  ; 
while  the  boy  lay  hepless,  muttering  fierce  oaths 
between  his  teeth.  He  knew  too  well  why  that 
bloody  deed  was  done. 

"  Mr.  Graham,"  whispered  Julia,  "  do  you  sup 
pose  the  men  who  committed  this  act  knew  how 
this  family  were  situated  ?  " 

"  I  cannot  tell ;  possibly  not." 

"  It  seems  to  me  that  the  fiends  themselves  could 
hardly  have  done  such  a  deed." 

"  It's  their  code  of  justice.  I  doubt  if  they 
thought  beyond  that.  Alas  !  for  'man's  inhumanity 
to  man.'  Miss  Julia  would  you  go  a  little  out  of 
your  way,  and  leave  word  for  Dr.  Smith  ?  I'll 
write  him  what  I  want  on  a  card,  as  I  shall  stay 
here  to-night." 

"  Is  it  safe  for  you  to  remain  ?  " 

"Oh  yes.  I  must.  You  see,  I  feel  responsible, 
for  I  urged  this  man  to  go  to  work,  when  he  was 
afraid  the  Union  might  take  vengeance  if  he  did. 
Now  I  must  see  him  safely  through." 

"  Surely  you  are  not  responsible  for  this  ?  " 

"  No,  only  indirectly.     But  you  had  better  go 


A   RUDE  AWAKENING.  79 

now ;  Miss  Ada  is  becoming  impatient,"  he  added, 
with  a  contemptuous  curl  of  the  lip,  as  he  heard 
Hunt  calling  them. 

"  Let  her  wait,"  said  Julia,  with  a  shrug.  "  Just 
write  down  what  you  would  like  to  have  from  the 
house  immediately,  and  I  will  see  that  John  brings 
it.  Is  there  no  way  to  arrest  these  would-be  mur 
derers  ?  " 

"  I'll  do  my  best  to  give  them  justice."  Then 
handing  her  another  card,  Maurice  said,  "  If  you 
can  execute  those  commissions  you  will  do  a  gen 
erous  deed,  Miss  Julia,  and  you  have  shown  that 
you  have  both  the  heart  and  courage  to  perform." 

Julia  took  the  cards,  gave  one  more  glance 
around,  and  passed  out  into  the  pure  air  and  silent 
night.  Hunt  sprang  from  the  sleigh  to  help  her 
to  a  seat,  but  she  quickly  mounted  the  box  beside 
John,  saying,  "  I  prefer  this,  I  can  see  what's  before 
me  ;  and  I  have  some  directions  to  give  John. 
We  must  stop  at  Dr.  Smith's." 

"Oh  !  that's  half  a  mile  out  of  our  way.  I  am 
most  frozen.  John  can  go  there  after  he  takes  us 
home,"  said  Ada. 

"  Which  would  make  three  miles  further.  We 
will  go  there  first,  if  it  is  ten  miles  beyond.  Down 
this  way,  John,"  said  Julia,  with  an  angry  flash  in 
her  eyes. 

Ada  muttered,  "  I  hope  we  will  get  home  alive," 
then  relapsed  into  dead  silence. 


So  FORGING    THEIR  OWN  CHAINS. 

Hunt  tried  remonstrance  with  Julia  for  occupy 
ing  that  high  seat,  and  strove  to  keep  up  some 
conversation,  but  she  was  not  inclined  to  talk  ; 
and  they  returned  home,  a  very  different  party 
from  the  merry  one  that  started  a  few  hours  before. 

When  they  entered  the  house,  Ada  immediately 
retired  to  her  room,  and  took  a  strong  narcotic  to 
make  her  sleep.  Julia  told  her  sister  what  had 
happened,  and  together  they  prepared  the  sup 
plies  for  the  sick  and  wounded,  and  dispatched 
John  with  them  to  Graham.  Then  Julia's  strength 
gave  way.  Her  sister  undressed  her  as  if  she  were 
a  baby,  and  watched  beside  her.  Sometimes  she 
lost  consciousness  for  a  little,  yet  her  dreams  were 
even  worse  than  her  waking  thoughts.  But  Grace 
soothed  her  with  gentle  words,  when  she  started 
up  in  terror,  imagining  the  ruffians  were  attacking 
them  ;  and  at  last  she  fell  into  a  sound  sleep. 

Dr.  Smith  responded  promptly  to  Graham's 
summons.  "  Ah  !  "  he  said,  as  he  saw  the  wounded 
man,  "  life  never  was  very  dear  among  these 
miners  ;  but  it  has  gone  down  fast  the  last  few 
weeks,  and  don't  cost  anything  now." 

"  I'll  make  his  cost  something,"  said  Maurice. 

"  No,  you  won't.  You  will  only  offer  a  bribe 
for  yours." 

"  Shure,  doctor,  he'll  not  die  ? "  cried  Mrs. 
Malone,  grasping  his  arm. 

"  I  hope  not,  woman.     I'll  do  my  best  for  him. 


A   RUDE  AWAKENING.  8 1 

But  you  must  keep  very  quiet.  Is  there  no  other 
place  we  can  lay  him,  to  dress  the  wounds  ?  " 

"There's  a  little  room  next  this.  Miss  Earle 
promised  to  send  John  back  with  a  portable  cot," 
said  Graham. 

Just  then  John  made  his  appearance  with  the 
article  in  question.  Graham  went  to  help  him 
bring  in  the  other  supplies  ;  and  his  respect  for 
Julia  rose  considerably  as  he  noted  her  judicious 
selection  of  things,  that  it  had  not  entered  his  mas 
culine  brain  might  be  needed,  but  which  he  now 
found  of  vital  importance. 

After  the  probing  and  dressing  of  the  wounds, 
Malone  recovered  partial  consciousness,  and  began 
struggling  as  if  to  get  away.  Dr.  Smith  laid  a 
detaining  hand  on  him,  and  said, 

"  Be  quiet,  John.     You  are  safe  now." 

"  Faith,  docther,  is  it  you  ?  What's  happened 
me?" 

"  You  had  fallen  among  thieves,  but  Graham  like 
the  good  Samaritan,  passed  by  and  brought  you 
home." 

"  Whisth,  yer  honor,  spake  low.  Will  I  iver  do 
anither  day's  work  ?  " 

"  Years'  more,  I  hope.  But  don't  worry  about 
that  now,  Malone." 

"  I  will  see  that  you  and  your  family  are  cared 
for,  till  you  are  able  to  be  out  again,"  said 
Graham. 


82  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

11  God  bless  ye,  sir.  It's  of  me  poor  darlints  in 
there  I'm  thinkin'.  Ye  mind  the  day  I  begun  to 
work  for  ye,  sir?  Bill  McQuaid  was  for  shtoppin' 
me  thin  ;  but  the  rist  bid  me  go  on.  Now  they've 
taken  a  dirty  advantage." 

"  Was  it  McQuaid  who  shot  you  ?  " 

"  Bedad  !  how  could  I  tell  ?  I  was  jist  walking 
from  town  quaiet  and  aisy,  when  there  were  a 
flash,  an'  I  knowed  no  more  till  I'm  after  coming 
to  now." 

"There,  Malone,  no  more  talking,  or  you  will 
finish  the  job,"  said  Dr.  Smith,  then  added,  in  an 
aside  to  Graham:  "You'll  find  out  nothing. 
There  are  no  witnesses  to  be  had  in  these  cases.  I 
fear  the  results  of  this  alarm  more  for  Mrs.  Ma- 
lone,  but  her  life  now  is  only  a  question  of  weeks, 
at  the  best." 

He  then  visited  his  patients  in  the  larger  room, 
and  after  administering  a  soothing  potion,  prom 
ised  to  come  in  the  morning,  and  bade  them  good 
night. 

After  a~  time  blessed  sleep  came  to  all  save  Gra 
ham,  who  through  the  long  hours  remained  a 
faithful  watcher.  He  had  leisure  then,  to  think 
and  fully  realize  what  a  change  the  events  of  that 
ride  brought  to  him. 

He  recalled  his  happiness  when  he  took  a  seat 
by  Ada  Hunt's  side,  as  they  started.  His  implicit 
faith  that  her  beautiful  face  was  but  the  index  of 


A   RUDE  AWAKENING.  83 

her  character.  Indeed,  he  believed  he  knew  that 
character  thoroughly  ;  and  that  while  reserved  to 
others,  she  had  admitted  him  within  the  sacred 
penetralia,  where  her  purest  thoughts  and  noblest 
impulses  dwelt.  But  those  few  moments  of  fear 
and  danger  had  torn  off  her  mask,  and  revealed  a 
vain,  heartless  woman,  who  had  given  what  little 
love  she  could  spare  from  herself,  to  her  cousin 
Henry. 

It  was  a  new  and  bitter  lesson  that  came  to 
Graham  that  night.  He  felt  like  one  who  had 
long  been  striving  to  obtain  a  priceless  jewel. 
Then,  when  he  seemed  about  to  grasp  it,  the  dia 
mond  point  of  truth  had  tested  its  value,  revealing 
only  brittle,  worthless  glass.  Now  he  cared  not 
who  else  might  be  caught  by  its  glitter. 

With  painful  minuteness  he  recalled  every  event 
of  the  evening.  He  had  been  surprised  and  grati 
fied  by  Julia's  conduct,  so  different  from  what  he 
expected.  Yet  he  believed  that  it  was  only  the 
impulse  of  the  moment,  and  that  to-morrow  an 
other  freak  might  lead  her  into  action,  as  selfish 
and  inconsiderate,  as  this  evening  she  had  proved 
thoughtful  and  generous.  He  had  often  been 
tempted  to  join  in  Ada's  contemptuous  laughs  at 
the  amount  of  energy  she  threw  into  trivial  mat 
ters.  It  never  occurred  to  him  that  he  might  help 
to  strengthen  her  good  impulses,  and  bring  before 
her  worthy  objects.  But  that  night  his  heart  was 


84  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

so  sore,  that  he  was  inclined  to  give  up  all  work 
for  others. 

What  had  he  accomplished  by  trying  to  help 
the  miners  ?  There  was  one  victim  of  his  philan 
thropy  lying  wounded  before  him.  And  he  knew, 
as  well  as  Dr.  Smith,  that  he  could  do  nothing  to 
bring  the  punishment  where  it  was  deserved  ;  yet 
this  act  would  help  to  embolden  others,  and  might 
be  but  the  beginning  of  turmoil  and  rioting. 

Poor  Graham  had  reached  an  experience,  that, 
at  times,  comes  to  all  earnest,  hopeful  workers — 
bitter  disappointment  in  those  most  trusted,  and 
an  overwhelming  sense  of  the  triumphant  power 
of  wrong,  till  one  is  ready  to  cry  out, "  Cui  bono  ?  " 
to  all  urgings  of  further  effort. 

Then,  if  he  be  a  true  Christian,  clear-eyed  Faith 
comes  to  his  side,  and  lays  God's  Book  of  Provi 
dence  open  before  him,  slowly  turning  back  the 
pages,  even  to  the  first  promise  given  in  Eden, 
that  the  seed  of  the  woman  should  bruise  the  ser 
pent's  head.  Patiently  she  shows,  how  through 
the  long  ages  those  plans  were  working  to  their 
fulfillment,  even  when  it  seemed  that  the  old  Dragon 
was  tightening  his  foul  coils  around  the  earth,  and 
drawing  all  down  to  perdition.  But  in  the  fullness 
of  time  the  Redeemer  came;  and  not  one  jot  or 
tittle  of  the  past  promises  had  failed.  So  faith, 
pointing  to  them,  declares,  "  In  their  fulfillment  is 
the  surety  of  the  future." 


A   RUDE  AWAKENING.  85 

The  leaves  of  that  book,  however,  turn  slowly, 
and  sometimes  no  one  lifetime  can  catch  the 
meaning  of  the  involved  sentences.  They  are  also 
closely  written,  and  reading  carefully  one  comes 
to  see  how  the  seemingly  trivial  acts  of  good  and 
ill  recorded  there,  have  solemn  weight  in  the  work 
ing  out  of  God's  mighty  plot.  So  he  learns  to 
take  God's  measures  of  great  and  little,  and  resumes 
his  work,  trusting  results  to  Him. 

Graham  went  forth  from  that  night's  watch  "  a 
sadder,  but  a  wiser  man." 

It  was  just  daylight  when  he  put  on  his  overcoat, 
and  woke  Mary  Malone,  bidding  her  watch  by  her 
father  till  he  came  back.  Then  he  stepped  out  on 
the  crisp  snow,  and  inhaled  long  breaths  of  fresh 
morning  air,  while  he  scanned  with  apprehensive 
glance  the  colliery,  and  miners'  village  near.  See 
ing  that  all  was  safe  and  quiet,  he  turned,  and  strode 
rapidly  up  a  steep  path,  till  he  reached  the  porch 
of  Ned  Malcome's  cottage. 

Annie  Malcome  quickly  answered  his  gentle 
knock.  When  she  first  saw  him,  a  flush  passed 
over  her  face,  which  he  thought  a  reflection  from 
the  morning  light  behind  him.  But  it  paled  in 
stantly,  as  in  a  trembling  voice  she  exclaimed, 
"Oh!  Mr.  Graham,  what  has  happened  to  Ned?" 
"Nothing,  Miss  Annie,  forgive  me  for  alarming 
you  by  coming  here  so  early.  I  suppose  he  stayed 
at  the  colliery  last  night.  I  was  riding  with  some 


86  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

friends,  when  we  discovered  John  Malone  wounded 
by  the  side  of  the  road,  about  a  mile  from  here. 
We  brought  him  home,  and  I  have  been  with  him 
all  night.  If  he  can  have  quiet  and  good  care  he 
will  get  well.  Do  you  know  where  I  can  find  a 
competent  nurse,  who  will  keep  noisy  intruders 
out?" 

"  Step  in,  sir,  and  I'll  tell  you  of  one  who  may 
suit.  Was  it  because  he  had  gone  to  work?" 

"  Yes,  I  fear  that  was  his  crime." 

"  Oh  !  Mr.  Graham,  how  could  they  be  so  cruel, 
when  there  was  so  much  trouble  already  ?  Can't 
you  do  anything  to  end  this  terrible  strike  ?" 

"What  can  I  do;  Miss  Annie?"  said  Maurice, 
sadly.  "I  am  but  an  agent.  Gordon  and  Hunt  will 
not  sacrifice  their  interests  for  the  men.  I  find  that 
both  parties  are  resolved  to  resist  to  the  utmost, 
and  you  know  who  will  be  the  chief  sufferers." 

"  Ah  !  yes,  I  know.  Ned  has  promised  you  he'll 
not  leave  that  breaker,  no  matter  how  they  threaten. 
The  Scotch  bide  by  their  word,  e'en  to  the  grip  o' 
death.  Oh  !  dinna  urge  him  ony  maire.  Think 
what  it  would  be  for  the  puir,  blind  mither,  should 
he  be  brought  hame,  like  John  Malone,"  and  Annie 
looked  up,  her  eyes  full  of  tears,  as  she  spoke 
earnestly  in  her  native  tongue. 

Graham  took  her  clasped  hands  in  his  own  a 
moment,  as  he  replied,  "  Unless  I  can  be  sure  of 
his  safety,  I'll  not  hold  him  to  his  promise.  It  is 


A   RUDE  AWAKENING.  87 

for  the  men,  as  well  as  my  employers,  I  want  to 
keep  the  fires  and  pumps  going.  But  I  fear  they 
are  blind  to  their  own  interests." 

Then  he  leaned  his  head  wearily  against  the 
mantle-piece,  and  heaved  a  deep  sigh.  Annie 
looked  up  in  quick  sympathy,  and  said,  "  Sit  down 
on  that  couch,  Mr.  Graham.  You  have  been  watch 
ing  all  night  and  need  rest.  I'll  have  some  break 
fast  ready  in  a  few  minutes." 

"  Oh !  no,  don't  trouble  yourself,  just  tell  me 
where  I  can  find  that  nurse." 

"  There  is  an  Irish  woman,  named  Bridget  Ma- 
guire,  who  lives  in  a  wee  cottage,  a  bit  above  us. 
She  once  took  care  of  mother  and  me,  when  I  was 
ill.  She  is  coarse  in  looks  and  manner,  but  a 
kinder  creature  you  could  not  find.  I  think  she 
will  go,  if  I  ask  her.  If  you  will  bide  for  the  break 
fast,  sir,  I'll  put  on  my  bonnet  and  show  you 
where  she  lives." 

"Thank  you,  Miss  Annie.  I  cannot  resist  such 
an  inducement.  Give  me  that  pail;  I'll  take  Ned's 
place,  and  draw  the  water. 

Annie  stood  watching  him  lower  the  bucket,  and 
whispered  to  herself,  "  He's  not  so  big  and  strong 
as  Ned,  but  he's  bonnier.  He  calls  me  '  Miss 
Annie,'  jist  as  if  I  were  some  gran'  leddy,  and  he 
is  so  good  to  all."  Then  with  a  happy  heart  and 
nimble  fingers  she  prepared  a  dainty  meal,  and  as 
the  sun  was  shooting  up  long,  golden  arrows  above 


FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

the  opposite  mountains,  she  came  to  the  couch 
where  Graham  had  thrown  himself  down  to  rest, 
and  said,  with  the  accent  he  liked  to  hear  in  her 
soft  voice : 

"  Will  ye  gang  to  the  ither  room,  sir?  I'm  sair 
troubled  to  wake  ye  so  soon." 

"Oh!  I  am  ready  for  anything  now,  and  your 
coffee  is  so  fragrant  that  I  could  go  much  further 
to  secure  it." 

During  the  meal  they  discussed  the  welfare  of  the 
little  Sunday-school.  Annie  knew  every  child,  far 
and  near.  They  all  loved  her,  and  she  had  more 
influence  than  perhaps  any  other  person  in  that 
region.  She  was  very  delicate  in  appearance,  and 
one  would  hardly  call  her  pretty;  but  there  was  a 
quiet  dignity  and  refinement  in  her  manner  that 
won  respect,  while  her  gentleness  disarmed  pride. 

As  soon  as  Annie  had  attended  to  her  mother's 
comfort  after  breakfast  they  started,  following  an 
obscure  path  further  up  the  mountain.  After  a  long 
steep  climb,  Annie  pointed  to  a  little  wreath  of 
smoke  rising  above  a  clump  of  pines,  that  were 
covered  and  interlaced  by  what  appeared  to  be  an 
impenetrable  thicket  of  American  Ivy  and  wild 
grape  vines. 

"Surely,  there  isn't  a  house  in  there?"  said 
Graham.  "  Yes,"  replied  Annie.  "  It  is  lovely  here 
in  summer,  and  nicely  protected  in  winter.  Please 
follow  this  path." 


A   RUDE  AWAKENING.  89 

After  a  few  steps,  they  emerged  in  front  of  a  lit 
tle  hut.  There  was  one  window,  and  through  it 
shone  a  blaze  of  pine  knots,  but  so  close  was  the 
thicket  that  its  light  could  not  be  seen  a  rod  away. 
Annie  knocked  at  the  door,  and  the  fierce  growl  of 
an  old  bull-dog  answered  her  summons.  Graham 
stepped  forward,  saying,  "Let  me  go  first."  But 
Annie  motioned  him  back,  as  she  replied,  "  The 
dog  knows  me,  and  Bridget  won't  let  him  harm 
us." 

Just  then  a  woman's  face  appeared  at  the  window 
framed  in  an  old  black  hood,  beneath  which  was  a 
broad  white  ruffled  cap.  Seeing  Annie,  there  fol 
lowed  a  short  scuffle  with  the  dog,  and  a  loud  voice 
bade  him  "  sthop  his  noise,  and  know  leddies  from 
thaves." 

Then  a  bolt  slipped  back,  and  a  perfect  giantess, 
with  long  bare  arms  akimbo,  stood  facing  them. 

At  first  Graham  drew  back,  for  so  comical  was 
her  costume  that  he  could  not  control  his  face  suf 
ficiently  to  meet  her.  She  wore  a  pair  of  trousers 
inserted  in  large  leather  boots,  over  which  hung  a 
bright  petticoat  and  short  gown,  the  whole  sur 
mounted  by  a  round  good-natured  face,  hooded  and 
capped  as  aforesaid. 

In  a  hoarse,  but  strong  voice,  she  asked,  "Faith  ! 
Miss  Annie,  is  the  ould  leddy  sick  that  ye  cum  so 
airly  ?  " 

"  No,  Biddy,  but  I've  brought  Mr.  Graham  here. 


90  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

He  wants  your  help  for  some  others  in  trouble.  I 
knew  he  wouldn't  have  to  ask  in  vain." 

"  Och  !  begorrah !  ye  don't  mane  ye've  a  gintle- 
mon  wid  ye,  and  me  all  in  this  foine  ploight?" 

Then  as  Graham  stepped  forward,  and  was  in 
troduced,  she  said,  "  Shure,  I  hope  yer  honor  will 
excuse  me  dress.  But  as  there's  no  mon  round,  I 
find  this  more  convanient  like." 

"  Really,  it  is  I  who  should  make  an  apology  for 
calling  so  early,"  said  Graham  laughing. 

"  O  !  niver  you  moind  that,  but  coom  in,  Misther 
Graham.  It's  deloighted  I  am  to  see  yer  honor. 
An'  how  are  ye,  Miss  Annie,  darlin'?  An'  its  pret 
tier  ye  git  every  day  ov  yer  life." 

"  Git  doon,  Towser,  ye  divil.  Don't  ye  know  a 
gintlemon  yet  ?  "  said  Bridget  to  the  dog,  as  he  was 
springing  on  Graham.  But  he  recognized  a  kind 
firm  glance,  and  instantly  came  up  close  to  Maurice's 
side,  wagging  his  stump  of  a  tail.  "  There,  sir,  I 
know'd  it ;  that  dog  kin  tell  a  raal  gintlemon,  the 
minute  he  claps  eyes  on  him,"  said  Biddy  in  a  tri 
umphant  voice. 

Graham  patted  his  homely  head  and  replied, 
"  He  certainly  is  a  wise  dog,  and  must  be  a  faithful 
protector." 

"  Faith  !  an'  I'm  pretty  well  able  to  look  out  for 
meself.  But  he's  gude  company,  sir." 

Graham  then  told  the  object  which  brought  him 
there.  Bridget's  indignation  was  fully  aroused. 


A  RUDE  AWAKENING.  91 

"Och  !  the  dirty  spalpeens,"  she  exclaimed  ;  "  I  know 
'em,  sir.  It's  the  '  Molly  Maguire '  that  do  sich 
mane,  bluidy  thricks.  Yer  honor,  that  same  name 
the  Maguire,  was  as  dacent  an'  honest  a  name  as  yer 
own,  till  these  blackguards  used  it  for  their  divilish 
thricks.  And  if  there's  ony  thing  now  would  per 
suade  me  to  give  up  my  freedom,  an'  bear  the  yoke 
o'  matrimony,  it  would  be  that  I  moight  be  quit  o' 
the  same." 

Graham  and  Annie  laughed,  and  thought  it  was 
a  very  even  choice,  whether  to  meet  the  veritable 
Molly  Maguires,  or  venture  to  be  yoked  with  that 
amazon  of  the  woods. 

The  outside  of  the  hut  was  rough  in  the  extreme. 
Within,  the  plaster  of  the  walls  was  covered  with 
paper  made  up  of  marine  views  in  square  pictures, 
each  representing  a  ship  tossing  on  an  angry  ocean, 
in  every  position  except  keel  uppermost.  So  con 
tinually  did  these  pictures  meet  his  eyes,  that  he 
began  to  feel  almost  sea-sick  and  grasped  the 
rounds  of  his  chair  to  be  sure  that  was  not  tossing 
also.  It  was  a  relief  to  turn  his  eyes  to  the 
open  fire-place,  where  pine  knots  made  a  bright 
blaze.  But  there  even,  on  the  wooden  shelf  about 
it,  shells,  sea-weed,  and  star-fish,  were  grouped  in 
picturesque  confusion,  while  outside  the  wintry 
forest  and  high  mountains  closed  around,  and  shut 
in  the  little  cabin. 


92  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

"You  seem  fond  of  the  sea,"  said  Graham,  going 
up  to  examine  the  shells. 

"  Oh !  yer  honor,  them  were  Barney's,  me  sailor 
brother.  Bad  luck  was  it  whin  he  quit  the  sea,  an' 
took  to  diggin'  under-ground.  He  was  blowed  up, 
poor  sowl,  an'  I'm  jist  kaping  them  as  a  momentum 
of  him,  sir." 

"  Well,  Bridget,  Mr.  Graham  is  in  a  hurry,"  said 
Annie,  as  Maurice  turned  rather  abruptly  away. 
"  Can't  you  tell  him  now  whether  you  will  take 
charge  of  poor  Malone  ?  " 

"  Shure  an'  it  an't  asy  for  me  to  lave,  but  as  it  is 
yerself  as  is  askin',  I'll  have  to  go.  I've  two 
chickens  and  me  dog  as  must  go  wid  me.  But 
they'll  do  good  service;  one  kin  lay  an  egg  now 
and  then,  and  Towser  will  fight  the  very  divil  if  I 
only  give  him  lave.  I'll  cum  doon,  Misther  Graham, 
as  soon  as  I  set  me  house  in  order.  Ye  may  thrust 
me  to  kape  all  quoiet." 

Graham  thanked  her,  and  said  he  would  soon  see 
her  at  Malone's.  Annie  told  him  that  she  would  re 
main  and  help  Biddie,  then  install  her  in  her  office 
as  nurse.  So  with  a  hearty  shake  of  the  hand,  he 
bade  them  good-bye,  and  was  soon  rapidly  spring 
ing  down  the  mountain  path.  Annie  went  to  a 
rock  where  she  could  watch  his  descent,  and  stood 
there  until  Bridget  joined  her,  and  said,  "  Why 
didn't  yees  go  back  wid  yer  swateheart,  me  darlin'? 
I  could  git  the  chickens  wid  Towser's  help.  The 


A  RUDE  AWAKENING.  93 

only  throuble  is  he  will  ketch  'em  by  the  tail,  an' 
poor  old  Domineck  has  only  two  feathers  left. 
Since  yer  here,  though,  if  yees  will  kape  open  that 
door,  we  can  drive  'em  in." 


94  FORGING  THEIR  OWN  CHAINS. 


CHAPTER   VII. 

A   NEW   CONSPIRATOR. 

T  was  a  late  hour  before  Graham  joined 
the  family  at  Cedar  Ridge.  Grace  and 
Julia  met  him  with  eager  questions  after 
the  welfare  of  the  wounded  man.  He  saw 
they  were  full  of  sympathy,  and  that  he  had  only 
to  mention  a  want,  and  Grace  would  see  that  it  was 
supplied. 

Ada  noticed  that  Graham's  eyes  did  not  seek 
hers  as  usual,  when  he  first  entered  the  room  ;  she 
attributed  it  to  jealousy,  because  she  had  shown  a 
preference  for  her  cousin  Henry's  protection  on  the 
ride,  but  thought  that  if  they  all  went  to  Mrs. 
Butler's  party  that  evening,  she  would  probably  be 
thrown  upon  his  care,  and  could  then  explain  mat 
ters  away. 

When  they  were  gathered  round  the  table,  Frank 
Gordon  said,  "  Well,  Graham,  have  you  succeeded 
in  arresting  those  highwaymen,  who  according  to 
the  girls'  story,  nearly  murdered  you  all  last  night  ?  " 

"  No,  sir;  we  were  too  late  to  act  as  witnesses,  and 
there  are  no  others  to  be  obtained ;  but  it  is  going 


A   NEW  CONSPIRATOR.  95 

to  make  us  trouble,  independently  of  the  suffering 
to  poor  Malone." 

"  How  so?  Do  you  think  they  will  disturb  the 
operators?" 

"  No  fear,"  said  Hunt.  "  They  will  not  dare  to 
molest  us.  They  know  too  well  they  would  fare 
the  worst  in  that  battle.  If  they  won't  work,  and 
are  fools  enough  to  bear  the  consequences,  I  don't 
know  that  we  can  interefere.  We  can  stand  it 
longer  than  they." 

"  That's  the  trouble,"  said  Graham.  "You  are 
both  antagonistic,  when  you  should  be  friends.  As 
well  might  the  hands  be  at  war  with  the  brain. 
One  cannot  do  without  the  other." 

"  But  it's  the  hands  who  rebel.  You  wouldn't 
have  us  truckle  and  sue  to  these  murderers  and 
cut-throats  ?  " 

"  No,  but  they  are  not  all  that.  I  don't  justify 
this  strike,  or  the  outrages  that  have  been  perpe 
trated,  or  that  are  still  to  come,  I  fear.  But  there 
is  no  doubt  that  many  of  the  operators  have  under 
paid  the  laborer  in  the  past,  and  they  have  not 
consulted  their  comfort  and  safety  in  the  mines  as 
they  should  have  done.  It  was  not  till  1870,  that 
a  law  was  made  in  this  State,  compelling  companies 
to  have  two  shafts,  or  modes  of  exit  in  case  of  ac 
cidents.  Yet  to  my  certain  knowledge,  there  are 
mines  that  would  be  working  now,  if  possible,  hun 
dreds  of  feet  below  the  surface,  where,  if  their 


96  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

engine  house  burnt  up,  and  the  mine  took  fire  in 
consequence,  there  would  be  no  escape.  That  such 
a  calamity  did  happen  at  Avondale,  is  proof  that  it 
may  again.  •  I  believe,  that  if  each  party  would  only 
practice  the  good  old  maxim,  '  Live  and  let  live,' 
there  would  be  no  strikes,  or  trade  unions." 

"  I  tell  you,  Graham,  these  miners  are  as  unrea 
sonable  as  children.  There  is  no  satisfying  them. 
Didn't  we  offer  them  the  choice  of  ten  per  cent, 
reduction,  when  it  was  really  to  our  interests  to 
close  the  mines,  as  the  market  stood  ?  I  don't 
justify  those  cases  you  speak  of,  yet  I  believe  them 
the  exception.  But  laborers,  as  a  class,  have  just 
sense  enough  to  see  when  their  employers  are  in  a 
tight  place,  and  losing  money.  Then  they  get  up 
their  confounded  strikes.  It's  so  with  all  trades, 
'  the  butcher,  and  baker,  and  candlestick  maker,' 
and  that's  why  the  times  are  so  dull.  Who's  going 
to  put  capital  into  an  investment  that  don't  pay? 
A  man  takes  a  contract  and  can't  fulfill  it,  because 
some  of  these  infernal  trades  choose  to  go  on  a 
strike.  There  are  millions  of  dollars  in  the  coun 
try  lying  idle  now,  stowed  away  in  odd  corners, 
buried  in  the  vaults  of  banks,  because  capitalists 
cannot  use  it  with  safety.  How  can  we  be  other 
than  indignant  with  the  brutish  stupidity  of  these 
men,  in  whom  there's  neither  sense  nor  reason?" 

"  That  is  true  to  a  certain  extent.  But  I  think 
you  have  forgotten  another  great  cause  of  these 


A   NEW  CONSPIRATOR.  97 

hard  times.  It  is  the  universal  feeling  of  distrust 
that  hampers  business  ;  the  want  of  strict  honesty 
between  man  and  man.  Such  gigantic  frauds  are 
being  sprung  upon  us  every  day,  that  we  don't 
know  where  we  are  safe.  And  then  with  the  day 
laborer  it  is  too  often  the  case  that  '  there's  lit 
tle  to  earn  and  many  to  keep.'  How  can  they 
be  otherwise  than  ignorant  and  debased,  if  with 
hard  labor  they  can  but  just  keep  from  starva 
tion  ?  " 

"  It  is  their  want  of  thrift,  and  money  wasted  on 
bad  whisky,  which  keeps  them  down,"  said  old 
Mrs.  Gordon.  "  Most  of  them  live  like  their  pigs, 
and  won't  send  their  children  to  school,  while  we 
pay  their  taxes." 

"  I  allow  that,  although  your  assertion  is  too 
sweeping.  But  is  there  no  reckless  extravagance 
in  the  higher  walks  of  life  ?  Human  nature  is 
much  the  same  in  the  palace  and  cot.  We  certain 
ly  cannot  expect  a  higher  standard  of  morality  and 
self-restraint  among  the  ignorant  and  undisciplined 
than  we  practice  ourselves  ?  " 

"  Really,  Mr.  Graham,  we  will  begin  to  think 
you  are  a  secret  member  of  their  association.  Even 
Sam  Walker  couldn't  argue  their  cause  better," 
said  Ada. 

"  No,  I  am  no  advocate  for  unions,  if  they  com 
bine  to  prevent  industry,  and  give  support  to  the 
lazy  and  inefficient.     I  believe,  if  a  man  or  woman 
5 


98  FORGING    THEIR  OWN  CHAINS. 

does  first-class  work,  they  will  be  paid,  for  it  com 
mands  good  wages." 

"You  are  right  there,"  said  Hunt  ;  "  people  come 
to  me  constantly  for  employment,  and  I  ask  them 
what  they  will  do  ?  Oh  !  anything.  But  when  it 
comes  to  the  question  of  what  they  know  how  to 
do,  there's  not  the  first  thing  of  which  they  are 
truly  capable." 

"  I  know.  I  have  a  realizing  sense  of  it.  I 
couldn't  even  make  a  cup  of  tea,  or  cut  out  a  night 
cap  so  you  would  know  which  part  went  front,  or 
which  behind,"  said  Julia. 

"  Yes  ;  but,  Julia,  you  have  had  a  fine  education," 
said  Grace. 

"  Well,  I've  studied  a  little  of  everything  under 
the  sun.  If  the  amount  of  knowledge  I  have 
carried  in  books  in  my  hands,  were  in  my  brains,  I'd 
be  a  learned  young  lady  ;  but  there's  not  one  thing 
I  know  well  enough  to  gain  a  living  by,  if  necessity 
compelled  me.  I  couldn't  even  teach  the  three 
R's.  Every  one  says  that  my  letters  are  like  goose- 
tracks  sprawling  over  the  pages ;  and  I  always  had 
to  strike  or  suspend,  whichever  they  call  it,  before 
I  finished  fractions.  I  know  it  is  mostly  my  own 
fault,  but  we  were  so  hurried  that  it  was  necessary 
to  get  through  so  much,  no  matter  how." 

"You  know  enough  to  be  very  charming.  You'll 
never  have  occasion  for  anything  more  severe,"  said 
Hunt. 


A   NEW  CONSPIRATOR.  99 

"  I  am  not  so  sure.  The  see-saw  game  life  plays 
with  us  all  in  this  country,  makes  it  very  uncertain 
who'll  be  up  or  who  down.  Now,  if  I  were  the 
daughter  of  an  English  Earl,  I  might  safely  feel 
that  I  should  be  rocked  on  the  lap  of  idleness  all 
my  days." 

"Well,  little  sister,"  said  Grace,  "you  may 
always  be  sure  of  shelter  and  a  crust  with  me." 

"  But,  Graham,  we  have  wandered  from  the  sub 
ject,"  said  Gordon  ;  "  you  said  the  attack  upon 
Malone  would  give  us  trouble.  What  did  you 
mean  ?  " 

"  I  fear  it  will  intimidate  the  firemen  and  engi 
neer." 

"  If  you  find  these  men  won't  stay,  go  to  town 
and  get  others,  double  their  wages  if  necessary." 

"  If  they  won't  let  these  work,  they  will  find 
means  to  drive  off  the  others." 

"Then  I'll  send  to  Philadelphia.  I'll  not  be 
coerced  by  a  mob,"  said  Hunt. 

"Yes,"  replied  Gordon,  "  I  have  received  a  letter 
from  Uncle  John  ;  he  says  he'll  send  us  men  to  go 
to  work  again,  from  there,  if  we  wish  ;  but  would 
not  have  us  submit  to  mob  law  if  it  takes  all  the 
troops  in  the  State  to  protect  us." 

"Will  he  be  here  soon?"  asked  Graham. 

"  Not  unless  we  send  for  him ;  he  does  not  like 
winter  journeys,"  said  Gordon. 

"  No,  no,"  said  Hunt,  "  we  don't  need  to  trouble 


100  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

the  old  gentleman.  There's  nothing  to  be  gained 
by  pressing  matters,  now.  We  will  keep  the 
pumps  going.  You  offer  the  men  any  wages  that 
will  hold  them,  and  we  will  defer  sending  for  Uncle 
John  till  all  else  is  exhausted.  Don't  you  think  so, 
Gordon  ?  " 

Frank  readily  assented  ;  for  at  present  he  did  not 
care  to  have  his  uncle,  with  his  old-fashioned 
notions,  investigating  their  affairs. 

"  If  you  business  men  have  settled  your  matters, 
I  will  be  thankful  for  a  little  attention,"  said  Julia, 
demurely. 

"  Dear  Miss  Earle,  I  am  all  devotion,"  replied 
Hunt ;  "  wherein  can  I  help  you  ?  " 

"  A  little  instruction  as  to  my  social  duties  this 
evening,  if  you  please.  You  know  I  am  in  foreign 
parts  and  not  yet  posted  on  their  laws  and  cus 
toms.  What  time  does  the  ball  open  to-night  ?  " 

"  My  dear,  it  is  a  sociable,  and  we  ought  to  be 
there  by  nine  o'clock,"  said  Grace. 

"  Oh!  this  seems  such  a  barbarous  country,  one 
don't  know  what  to  expect.  Will  you  have  an 
armed  escort  to  protect  us  by  the  way,  Frank?" 

"  I  am  at  your  service,  Miss  Julia,"  said  Hunt  ; 
I'll  protect  you  with  my  life.  Can  you  ask  more  ?" 

"  I  don't  doubt  you  would  be  a  gallant  knight, 
but  others  might  claim  you,  and  I  would  be  left 
in  the  lurch,"  replied  Julia,  with  a  malicious  fling 
at  Ada's  monopoly  the  night  previous.  Hunt 


A   NEW  CONSPIRATOR.  IOI 

blushed,  and  a  deeper  blush  dyed  Ada's  cheeks,  as 
Julia  continued :  "  Mr.  Graham,  I  think  I  can 
trust  myself  best  to  your  care,  and  your  six-shooter. 
Are  you  willing  to  assume  the  burden?" 

"  With  pleasure,  Miss  Earle.  I  think  I  can  get 
you  there  safely." 

"  Now,  Miss  Julia,"  said  Hunt.  "  I  didn't  think 
you  would  be  so  resentful.  Ada  hasn't  your  pluck, 
and  was  frightened  out  of  her  wits.  I  had  to 
humor  her." 

"  I  own,  I  have  no  fancy  for  being  murdered  on 
the  highway.  But  I'll  not  trouble  you  to-night, 
for  I  am  not  going,"  said  Ada  coldly. 

"  Oh,  yes,  you  must.  Mrs.  Butler  is  depending 
on  you  for  the  singing,"  said  Grace  ;  "  Julia  and 
Mr.  Hunt  \vere  only  joking." 

"  Mrs.  Butler  will  have  to  excuse  me,"  said  Ada, 
as  she  swept  out  of  the  room,  when  they  rose  from 
the  table. 

Grace  and  Hunt  felt  annoyed  ;  but  ti^e  latter 
went  to  the  library,  and  brought  out  a  box,  saying, 
"  Miss  Julia,  I  heard  you  wish  for  .some  scarlet 
carnations,  for  your  hair  to-night.  Thomas  could 
not  press  his  forward  in^  time,  so  I  sent  to  Phila 
delphia,  and  they  have  just  arrived.  You  see,  I  re 
turn  good  for  evil." 

"  Oh,  thanks.  You  are  heaping  coals  of  fire  on 
my  head.  I'll  wear  them  all  night  as  a  token  of 
repentance." 


102  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

Half  an  hour  later  Hunt  knocked  at  his  cousin 
Ada's  door.  When  she  opened  it,  he  said  : 

"  Could  I  trouble  you  to  come  down  to  the 
library  ?  I  want  a  private  audience.  I'll  not  de 
tain  you  long." 

"Certainly,  in  a  moment." 

"  You  will  find  me  waiting." 

Ada  closed  her  door  again,  and  stood  irresolute, 
while  her  eyes  glowed,  and  she  covered  her  flushed 
face  with  her  hands,  and  murmured,  "Can  it  be 
that  my  hopes  are  to  be  realized  at  last  ?  and  yet, 
I  never  can  be  sure  of  Henry.  I'll  not  let  him  see 
what  a  love-sick  fool  I  am.  If  he  is  going  to  ask 
my  aid,  to  work  out  some  of  his  wily  schemes,  as 
he  often  has  in  the  past,  he'll  find  me  ready.  But 
he  is  seeking  a  dangerous  ally.  Oh,  if  he  would 
only  be  content  to  let  us  both  live  a  life  of  real 
love  ;  with  no  shams,  or  strivings  after  what  we 
haven't  got,  and  can't  get  honestly,  I  could  be  a 
true,  good  woman.  I  am  called  a  flirt  and  heart 
less  trifler  ;  but  have  I  never  been  trifled  with  ? 
Hasn't  Hunt  for  years  known  and  used  my  love, 
for  his  own  ambition,  and  I  have  been  weak 
enough  to  let  him  ?  Haven't  scores  of  other  men 
amused  themselves  with  my  beauty  and  talents, 
when  they  would  have  scorned  the  idea  of  marry 
ing  such  a  poor  girl,  dependent  on  her  rich  rela 
tions  for  a  home.  Is  it  more  than  justice  that  I 
revenge  my  injuries  when  the  chance  offers?  So 


A   NEW  CONSPIRATOR.,  103 

now,  foolish  heart,  be  calm,  and  keep  everything 
under  control." 

When  Ada  joined  Hunt,  he  carefully  closed  the 
door,  and  placed  her  a  chair  beneath  the  chande 
lier  ;  then  standing  in  front  of  her,  said  slowly, 
"  I  have  a  favor  to  ask  of  you.  Will  you  grant 
it?" 

"  That  depends.     Let  me  hear  it." 

"Ada,"  he  continued,  speaking  hesitatingly,  "  I 
want  to  know  if  you  won't  alter  your  decision,  and 
go  to-night.  You  and  I  have  been  friends,  and 
good  comrades  in  the  past.  Will  you  help  me  a 
little  now?  " 

"  In  what  way  ?  "  she  asked  coldly. 

"  There  is  a  gentleman,  a  friend  of  mine,  coming 
to  Mrs.  Butler's  to-night,  to  whom  I  would  like  to 
introduce  you,  and  get  you  to  be  as  fascinating  as 
you  know  how." 

"  Do  you  wish  him  to  fall  in  love  with  me?  " 

"  Yes,  precisely  that." 

"  And  shall  I  return  the  compliment?  " 

"  No  ;  I  cannot  recommend  him  as  a  perma 
nency.  But  you've  mastered  the  art  of  flirting  to 
perfection,  and  it  might  be  a  great  assistance  to 
me,  if  you  would  practice  it  a  little  on  him." 

"  I  never  flirted  with  you,  Henry,"  said  Ada 
reproachfully.  "  If  you  want  my  help  now,  you 
must  be  a  little  more  frank." 

"  Well,  I  know  I  can  trust  you.     I   have  gone 


104  FORGING   THEIR  OWN  CHAINS. 

into  an  operation  with  this  man  that  promises  well, 
and  if  k  succeeds  will  make  my  fortune.  But,  as 
you  know,  money  is  scarce  now;  he  has  it  in  his 
power  to  seriously  embarrass  me,  if  he  goes  right 
off,  as  he  now  threatens.  I  want  you  to  hold  him 
by  your  charming  spells  till  I  can  mature  my 
plans." 

She  was  on  the  point  of  asking  him  what  those 
plans  were,  but  reflected  that  she  would  learn  no 
more  than  he  chose  to  tell.  Here  was  offered  a 
better  chance  to  find  out  what  she  wished  to  know. 
She  believed  her  cousin  was  playing  a  desperately 
bold  game,  and  might  be  tripped  up.  Still  she  had 
great  faith  in  his  ability,  and  her  heart  suggested 
that  if  she  helped  him  to  succeed,  he  would  ask 
her  to  share  the  results.  So,  after  a  moment's  hesi 
tation  she  looked  up  with  a  winning  smile,  and 
said  :  "  I  believe  your  old  comrade  never  refused 
you  anything  yet,  Hal.  She  won't  begin  to 
night." 

He  took  both  of  her  hands  and  looked  steadily 
in  her  lustrous  black  eyes,  that  were  full  of  tender 
ness;  then  stooped  and  printed  a  kiss  on  her  lips, 
whispering,  "  That's  my  thanks  now ;"  and  as  he 
led  her  to  the  door,  added,  "  You  will  find  I  know 
how  to  pay  my  debts  with  interest." 

His  look  and  touch  said  more  than  the  words, 
and  she  went  to  her  room  half  doubting,  half  be 
lieving. 


A  NEW  CONSPIRATOR.  105 

Just  at  the  close  of  this  interview,  Maurice  Gra 
ham  stepped  up  on  the  veranda,  fronting  which 
was  the  library  window,  with  its  blinds  yet  open. 
He  instantly  drew  back,  but  not  till  he  had  wit 
nessed  the  scene  we  have  just  described.  He 
knew  it  was  no  mere  cousinly  parting ;  and  a  pang 
of  jealousy  stung  his  heart.  He  had  loved  Ada  too 
truly  to  be  freed  from  all  regard  for  her  imme 
diately.  Therefore,  instead  of  entering  the  house 
he  paced  up  and  down  the  long  avenue,  while  pas 
sion  urged  him  to  go  in  and  accuse  both  Ada  and 
Hunt  of  false  dealing,  and  assert  his  claims.  Then 
reason  told  him  that  he  had  none,  and  that  he  should 
be  thankful  he  had  discovered  Ada's  duplicity  in 
time  to  avoid  being  further  betrayed.  But  what 
did  Hunt  mean  by  his  open  attentions  to  Miss 
Earle  ?  Was  he  only  amusing  himself  at  her  ex 
pense,  and  did  she  suspect  it,  and  for  that  reason 
ask  him  to  be  her  escort  to  the  party  ?  But 
how  could  he  in  his  present  mood  endure  a 
long  evening  among  comparative  strangers  ?  He 
thought  that  he  would  make  an  excuse  of  busi 
ness  in  town,  and  return  just  in  time  to  bring  her 
home. 

Having  reached  this  conclusion  he  went  in  to 
make  his  toilet,  and  on  the  stairs  met  Ada  in  full 
evening  dress.  She  stopped  him,  and  held  out  her 
hand,  saying  in  a  reproachful  tone,  "  Won't  you 
forgive  me,  Mr.  Graham,  for  acting  so  foolishly  last 
5* 


106  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

night  ?     I   am   such    a   timid  creature,   I   lose  all 
presence  of  mind  when  I  am  frightened." 

"  I  don't  know  why  you  should  ask  my  forgive 
ness,  Miss  Ada.     I  have  made  no  charges." 

"  Ah  !  but  it  is  easy  to  see  that  I  have  offended 
you.  We  used  to  be  such  warm  friends." 

And  she  looked  up  with  soft  appeal  in  her  beau 
tiful  eyes.  He  stood  for  a  moment  dazzled,  capti 
vated  by  her  charms.  Never  had  she  appeared 
more  lovely.  There  was  a  grace  and  dignity  in 
every  fold  of  her  rich  dress  and  line  of  her  lithe 
figure  ;  and  her  bewitching  smile  shone  upon  him  so 
sweetly,  that  passion  urged  him  to  declare  why  she 
had  disappointed  him, — to  beg  her  to  prove  that  all 
that  fair  seeming  was  what  he  had  really  believed 
but  the  day  before ;  that  his  vision  had  cheated 
him  an  hour  ago,  and  that  it  was  some  painful  dream, 
and  this  the  blessed  awakening.  So  strong  was  the 
tide  of  feeling,  that  he  might  have  shown  his  weak 
ness,  had  not  Hunt  just  then  opened  the  door  ;  he 
caught  a  gleam  of  his  mocking  smile  ere  it  closed  • 
turning  he  looked  full  in  Ada's  eyes,  and  said  : 

"  I  acknowledge  that  I  was  disappointed  in  your 
conduct  last  night.  Not  that  you  were  frightened, 
but  because  of  your  cruel  indifference  to  the  fate 
of  the  wounded  man,  after  your  former  protesta 
tions  of  philanthropy.  It  is  well  sometimes  that 
a  sudden  flash  reveals  the  mask,  and  shows  the 
real  person  within." 


A   NEW  CONSPIRATOR.  107 

"  No  one  will  ever  accuse  you  of  carrying 
two  faces,  Mr.  Graham,"  said  Ada  with  a  light 
laugh. 

"  I  have  no  wish  to,"  he  replied  quietly,  as  he 
passed  to  his  room. 


108  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

LIFE   AMONG   THE   LOWLY. 

HEN  Hunt  saw  his  cousin  Ada,  as  the 
ladies  all  gathered  in  the  parlor  before 
starting,  he  thought  that  she  had  never 
appeared  to  greater  advantage,  and  he 
congratulated  himself  on  his  ruse,  for  he  had  not 
a  doubt  now  of  its  success.  She  wore  a  cream- 
colored  silk,  heavily  trimmed  with  rich  black  lace, 
given  her  by  old  Mrs.  Gordon  in  a  rarely  generous 
mood.  Her  dress  showed  no  other  color,  except  a 
cluster  of  scarlet  geraniums  in  her  hair,  and  in  the 
lace  at  her  throat. 

Julia  felt  very  insignificant  beside  her,  and  was 
provoked  that  Ada  had  changed  her  mind,  and  again 
taken  possession  of  her  cousin.  She  was  also  very 
much  annoyed,  that  she  had  been  so  foolish  as  to 
decline  Mr.  Hunt's  offer  as  escort,  when  she  saw 
how  much  handsomer  and  more  distinguished  was 
his  appearance  than  Maurice  Graham's.  Julia's 
attractiveness  depended  very  much  on  her  animated 
expression  ;  and  to-night  her  mood  was  singularly 
uncomfortable.  Everything  had  gone  wrong  all 
day,  and  she  was  dissatisfied  with  herself  and  all 


LIFE  AMONG    THE  LOWLY.  109 

about  her.  She  was  jealous  of  Ada,  and  puzzled 
to  understand  Hunt's  conduct,  while  not  sure  of 
her  own  feelings.  It  did  not  improve  her  humor 
to  notice  the  admiration  that  followed  Ada,  as  she 
and  Hunt  preceded  them  into  the  crowded  draw 
ing-room,  and  to  overhear  a  remark,  "  What  a  pity 
Miss  Earle  doesn't  look  more  like  her  sister,  Mrs. 
Gordon  is  so  handsome." 

Indeed,  Julia  seemed  fated  to  hear  things  not  in 
tended  for  her  ears.  Early  in  the  evening  she  was 
standing  close  behind  a  door,  leading  into  a  little 
reception-room,  waiting  while  her  partner  was  com 
pleting  a  set  for  a  quadrille,  when  she  recognized 
Hunt's  voice  saying  in  a  low  tone  to  a  stranger 
who  had  just  arrived,  "  Why,  Stokes,  I  had  almost 
given  you  up." 

"  I  shouldn't  have  come  at  all  if  I  hadn't  been 
sure  of  seeing  you  here.  I  tell  you  what  it  is, 
Hunt,  I  can't  be  hanging  'round  any  longer ;  you 
and  I  must  have  a  settlement." 

"  Confound  it,  Stokes,  can't  you  have  a  little 
patience?  Do  you  expect  a  man  can  raise  such  a 
sum  in  a  week,  when  business  is  at  a  dead  lock  ? 
You  will  not  lose  by  delay.  I'm  just  getting  my 
plans  to  bear ;  but  we  will  talk  this  over  to-mor 
row.  Come  in,  and  I  will  introduce  you  to  the 
most  beautiful  woman  you  ever  saw,  East  or  West." 

"  What  !  the  heiress  ?  Arn't  you  afraid  I'll  cut 
you  out?  " 


MO  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

"  No,  no  ;  I'll  not  give  you  a  chance.  How  did 
you  know  about  her?  " 

"  Oh  !  I  know  more  than  you  think.  Is  the  bird 
caught  yet,  or  still  on  the  bush?" 

"  I'll  leave  you  to  judge  ;  you  claim  such  unlim 
ited  knowledge,  it  would  be  superfluous  to 
enlighten  you  further." 

They  then  entered  the  parlor,  and  Julia  drew 
back  still  further  into  her  corner.  She  could  see 
Hunt  introduce  his  companion  to  Ada,  and  from  his 
manner,  and  her  gracious  reception  of  the  stranger, 
Julia's  quick  wit  surmised  that  it  was  a  precon 
certed  arrangement  between  the  cousins.  But  who 
was  this  Stokes  ?  She  scanned  his  face  and  figure 
closely,  and  came  to  the  conclusion,  dressed  as  he 
was  in  the  height  of  fashion,  with  diamond  studs, 
and  numerous  seals  to  his  heavy  gold  chain,  that 
he  was  shoddy  through  and  through.  She  saw 
that  he  had  not  the  ease  of  one  accustomed  to 
such  gatherings,  and  the  restless  movements  of  his 
sharp,  gray  eyes,  even  while  listening  to  Ada's  talk, 
convinced  her  that  it  was  no  mere  desire  for  pleas 
ure  that  drew  him  there. 

But  what  was  Hunt  trying  to  accomplish  through 
this  man,  and  what  did  they  mean  about  the  heir 
ess  ?  It  was  a  mystery  she  must  unravel,  for  it  was 
evident  she  was  in  some  way  involved.  If  she 
could  only  keep  in  that  corner  and  watch,  unno 
ticed,  all  the  evening — but  she  saw  Hunt's  eyes 


LIFE  AMONG    THE  LOWLY.  ill 

roving  about  as  if  in  search  of  her ;  her  partner 
had  returned  with  the  set  complete,  the  music 
struck  up,  and  she  had  to  appear  and  play  her 
part. 

When  the  quadrille  was  finished,  Hunt  claimed 
her,  and  she  was  soon  whirling  with  him  down  the 
long  rooms,  to  one  of  Strauss'  melodious  waltzes. 
At  first  she  was  conscious  only  of  the  buoyant 
motion,  in  which  she  seemed  floating  on  the  sweet 
rhythm  of  the  music,  but,  ere  long,  she  realized 
that  Ada  and  her  companion  were  watching  them  ; 
and  that  Hunt  had  assumed  a  very  appropriating 
manner  toward  her ;  so  she  paused,  and  said  that 
she  was  tired  and  wished  to  join  Grace. 

Here  a  large  circle  gathered  round  them.  She 
saw  that  Hunt  was  one  of  the  most  conspicuous 
persons  in  the  company,  and  that  ladies  and  gen 
tlemen  eagerly  sought  his  attention.  He  talked 
well,  and  on  subjects  in  which  Julia  was  interested, 
so  that  after  a  time  she  forgot  herself  and  became 
very  animated,  thus  appearing  to  better  advantage. 
This  was  the  object  Hunt  wished  to  attain  ;  and 
Julia,  from  being  passed  by  unnoticed,  became  the 
central  attraction  of  the  evening. 

Meanwhile,  Ada  had  drawn  Stokes  into  the  con 
servatory,  and  so  exercised  her  witching  powers 
that  he  soon  forgot  all  others. 

By  this  time  Graham  had  returned,  and  as  he 
stood  in  the  hall,  talking  with  his  host,  he  had  a 


112  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

full  view  of  her  graceful  form  and  perfect  profile, 
thrown  against  the  dark  green  background  of 
orange-leaves,  while  she  exerted  the  same  fascinat 
ing  arts  to  captivate  the  man  then  at  her  side,  that 
she  had  so  often  practiced  on  him.  He  believed 
that  he  had  the  true  key  to  her  character  now.  As 
he  watched  her,  he  recalled  her  words  and  manner 
the  night  previous,  and  another  verse  of  the  lines 
Julia  had  then  repeated,  came  to  his  mind  like  a 
personal  experience. 

"  I  look  on  my  heart  and  marvel 

If  love  were  ever  its  own, 
If  the  spring  of  promise  brightened, 
And  the  summer  of  passion  shone." 

It  seemed,  in  the  untimely  frost  that  had  blasted 
his  hopes,  as  if  no  future  love  could  ever  rise  from 
the  grave  of  that  past. 

After  supper  he  joined  Julia,  and  said,  "  Miss 
Earle,  I  am  ready  to  act  as  your  bodyguard,  when 
ever  you  wish  to  return." 

"And  your  six-shooter,  also,  I  hope." 

"  It  is  safe  in  the  sleigh,  but  I  think  we  will 
have  no  occasion  for  its  use." 

Just  then  Hunt  came  up  and  said,  "  Graham, 
will  you  loan  Miss  Julia  and  myself  the  use  of 
your  cutter,  and  take  my  place  in  the  family 
sleigh  ?  She  expressed  fatigue  before  supper  ;  and 
I  thought  as  Grace  and  Ada  are  not  ready  yet,  we 
would  not  wait  for  them." 


LIFE  AMONG    THE  LOWLY.  113 

"  I  have  already  offered  to  see  Miss  Earle  home, 
whenever  she  is  ready.  If  she  prefers  to  change, 
of  course  I  withdraw,  and  the  cutter  is  at  your 
service." 

"  Indeed,  Mr.  Graham,  it  was  I  who  threw  my 
self  upon  your  gallantry.  I  will  not  release  you 
yet.  As  you  were  up  all  last  night,  and  I  am  un 
usually  tired,  I  think  we  had  better  quietly  bid 
adieu  to  our  hostess,  and  depart." 

This  was  a  turn  of  affairs  Hunt  had  not  ex 
pected  ;  but  he  was  obliged  to  accept  the  situation 
with  the  best  grace  he  could,  as  Julia  requested 
him  to  explain  matters  to  Grace. 

When  they  had  taken  their  seats  in  the  sleigh, 
and  were  again  rapidly  passing  over  the  smooth 
snow,  Graham  said,  "  What  a  contrast  was  the 
scene  we  have  just  left,  and  the  one  at  Malone's 
cottage,  last  night." 

"  Do  you  know,  I  never  realized  that  there  were 
such  fearful  contrasts  ?  It  has  made  me  uncom 
fortable  all  day." 

"  Is  that  the  strongest  feeling  so  near  an  ap 
proach  to  sudden  death  and  sore  trouble  could 
arouse,  Miss  Julia,"  asked  Graham  looking  at  her 
earnestly. 

Her  eyes  fell,  and  lip  quivered  for  a  moment,  as 
his  words  renewed  the  conflict,  conscience  and  in 
clination  had  been  waging  all  day.  "  Really,  Mr. 
Graham,"  she  replied  in  a  low  voice,  "  I  was  ter- 


114  FORGING  THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

ribly  frightened  last  night."  But,  rallying,  with  a 
change  of  tone,  she  added,  "  I  \nust  say  I  prefer 
the  scenes  we  have  just  left,  for  I  acknowledge 
being  very  fond  of  the  '  pomps  and  vanities  of  this 
wicked  world.'  ' 

"Yes,  Miss  Julia,  but  one  cannot  go  dancing  all 
the  way  through  life.  These  terrible  realities  are 
pretty  sure  to  find  us  somewhere." 

"  Well,  I  think  you  will  have  to  give  me  a  little 
longer  grace,  before  I  take  the  saintly  orders.  I 
don't  think  I  could  combine  both  as  conveniently 
as  Miss  Ada." 

A  cloud  of  pain  darkened  Maurice's  face  as  he 
quickly  answered,  "  It  is  not  grace  from  me  you 
need,  and  I  fear  the  shortcomings  of  others  won't 
avail  us  much  up  there." 

Then  he  dropped  the  subject,  and  began  telling 
her  some  Indian  legend  connected  with  the  region 
through  which  they  were  passing.  He  held  her 
interest  so  completely,  that  she  could  hardly 
believe  it  possible,  when  the  sleigh  entered  the 
gate,  and  in  a  few  moments  brought  them  home. 

After  retiring  to  her  room,  she  sat  down  in 
front  of  the  bright  grate,  and  gave  herself  up  to 
thought.  She  did  not  revert  to  the  conversation 
coming  home.  That  was  put  by  for  a  more  con 
venient  season.  But  what  did  Hunt  mean  by  his 
attentions  to  her,  and  what  was  the  significance  of 
those  remarks  she  overheard  ? 


LIFE  AMONG   THE  LOWLY.  115 

She  was  shrewd,  and  worldly-wise  enough*  to 
know  that  her  large  fortune  made  her  more  at 
tractive  than  her  personal  charms  alone  could 
have  done.  But  she  had  her  romantic  fancies,  and 
she  had  believed  till  now  that  Hunt  truly  sought 
her  for  herself  alone  ;  after  what  Grace  had  told 
her  of  his  success  in  business,  and  the  flattering 
attention  bestowed  upon  him  that  evening,  and 
through  him  upon  her,  she  could  not  be  convinced 
that  he  was  seeking  her  solely  from  mercenary 
motives. 

She  fesolved  to  tell  Grace  in  the  morning,  and 
see  what  she  thought  of  it.  Meanwhile,  she  would 
not  repulse  Hunt  entirely  ;  but  ward  off  any  closer 
intimacy,  till  she  felt  assured  all  was  right.  For 
this  reason  she  had  avoided  the  ride  home  with 
him.  Ada  had  been  using  Graham  for  her 
schemes.  Julia  felt  that  she  might  now  give  him 
a  little  employment.  The  cool  indifference  he  gen 
erally  manifested  toward  her,  made  her  feel  that 
there  was  no  danger  for  him.  Perhaps  when  he 
knew  her  better,  they  might  become  good  friends, 
and  there  was  more  of  him  than  she  had  sup 
posed. 

The  next  day  Grace  told  Julia,  that  she  was 
going  to  issue  cards  for  a  party  the  following 
week.  Julia  expressed  her  pleasure,  and  said, 
"  Suppose  you  make  it  a  fancy-dress  affair.  That 
will  be  something  out  of  the  beaten  track,  and  if 


Il6  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

you  will  let  me  exercise  my  taste  in  the  general 
arrangements,  I  think  I  can  produce  something 
very  novel,  that  will  be  long  remembered  in  these 
regions.  You  know  I  have  a  special  gift  in  that 
line  ;  indeed,  it  is  my  one  talent." 

"  You  shall  do  as  you  please,  it  is  your  party  ; 
but  it  isn't  easy  to  procure  costumes  here." 

"  Let  them  set  their  wits  to  work,  and  see  what 
they  can  do.  You  take  the  character  of  Lady 
Washington.  It  is  not  at  all  new,  but  best  adapt 
ed  to  you  as  hostess,  and  the  dress  and  powdered 
hair  will  be  very  becoming." 

"  What  costume  will  you  take  ?  " 

"  Oh !  I  can't  tell  yet.  I  have  an  idea.  Time 
will  show  if  I  can  develop  it.  Now  tell  me, 
Grace,  who  was  that  gentleman  with  Ada,  last 
evening  ?  " 

"  A  business  acquaintance  of  the  firm.  I  was 
introduced  to  him.  Frank  wants  me  to  show  him 
some  attention,  so  I  shall  invite  him  here  next 
Thursday." 

"  O  Grace !  he  is  no  real  gentleman." 

"  I  know  he  doesn't  seem  much  accustomed  to 
society.  But  it  is  often  necessary  for  us  to  invite 
people  we  don't  care  to  make  intimate  friends,  for 
policy's  sake." 

"  But  who  is  he,  and  what  can  Frank  and  Mr. 
Hunt  have  to  do  with  him,  that  they  must  treat 
him  with  so  much  consideration?" 


LIFE  AMONG   THE  LOWLY.  llj 

"  I  don't  pretend  to  know  much  about  their 
affairs,  but  I  am  willing  to  ask  him  if  it  will  gratify 
the  gentlemen.  You  needn't  be  introduced.  Ada 
seems  inclined  to  amuse  herself  with  him.  What 
induced  you  to  step  in  between  her  and  Maurice 
Graham  last  night?  Really,  Julia,  I  think  it  is 
very  mean  and  wrong  for  a  girl  in  your  position, 
to  try  to  break  up  an  attachment  between  two 
situated  as  they  are,  when  it  is  only  for  your  own 
convenience  or  amusement.'' 

"  Yes,  dear  old  Gracie,  that  would  be  true  if 
your  premises  were  correct.  But  Miss  Ada  disen 
chanted  Mr.  Graham  so  completely  on  that  sleigh- 
ride,  that  I  don't  think  my  monopoly  last  night 
could  come  under  your  censure.  And  his  feeling 
for  me  is  only  that  of  benevolent  compassion  for  a 
wicked  little  sinner.  He  lectured  me  on  my  short 
comings  nearly  all  the  way  home.  Nevertheless,  I 
like  him  all  the  better,  and  am  determined  that  we 
shall  be  really  good  friends  some  day." 

"Julia,  you  run  on  so  fast  that  you  take  my 
breath  away.  What  did  Ada  do  ?  " 

"  Oh  !  never  mind  that  now.  Just  listen  while 
I  tell  you  what  I  overheard  last  night." 

She  then  repeated  the  conversation  between  Hunt 
and  Stokes,  and  her  fears  regarding  it.  But  Grace 
laughed,  and  said,  "  It  is  very  probable  that  there 
is  some  payment,  and  they  want  to  get  more  time. 
As  for  his  calling  you  '  the  heiress,'  my  dear,  you 


Il8  FORGING  THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

ought  to  know  that  is  a  penalty  you  must  pay  for 
having  more  money  than  your  share  among  other 
girls.  I  could  easily  imagine  that  he  might  seek 
you  for  your  fortune.  But  to  accuse  a  man  in  Mr. 
Hunt's  position,  with  his  means  and  opportunities, 
of  deliberately  seeking  you  from  mercenary  motives 
is  unworthy  of  him.  I  have  seen  for  some  time 
that  he  is  growing  very  fond  of  you,  and  he  takes 
no  pains  to  hide  his  feelings.  Oh  Julia,  it  would 
be  so  delightful  to  have  you  settled  near  me.  I 
am  sure,  Mr.  Hunt  is  an  honorable  man,  and,  next 
to  Frank,  there  is  no  one  I  have  more  confidence 
in." 

Julia  was  inclined  to  take  her  sister's  view  of 
the  case.  Still,  she  did  not  feel  wholly  satisfied, 
and  resolved  not  to  be  hurried. 

A  few  days  before  the  party,  Julia  finding  the 
air  pleasant,  decided  to  visit  some  of  the  miners' 
cottages.  Putting  on  a  short,  dark  walking-suit,  she 
told  Grace  that  she  was  going  out  for  a  "  constitu 
tional,"  and  with  a  light,  quick  step  she  soon  passed 
beyond  the  private  grounds,  and  down  the  road, 
till  she  came  below  the  breaker.  Here  she  turned 
off  into  a  little  foot-path,  following  the  base  of  the 
great  culm  pile,  where  boys  and  girls  of  all  sizes  were 
picking  good  coal  from  the  dust  ;  some  dropping 
it  into  little  tin  pails,  others  into  baskets,  which, 
when  full,  would  sorely  tax  their  strength.  Her 
heart  ached,  as  she  noted  their  thin  dress,  and  often 


LIFE  AMONG    THE  LOWLY.  119 

pinched  faces,  and  little  bare  feet,  purple  with  cold, 
scrambling  in  the  black  dirt  and  snow.  She 
stopped,  and  asked  them  to  find  her  specimens  of 
coal  with  fern-leaves  impressed  on  them,  promis 
ing  to  pay  for  them  on  her  return. 

Avoiding  nearer  approach  to  the  breaker,  she 
then  walked  up  a  steep  hill,  desiring  to  reach  the 
other  end  of  the  village.  Suddenly  she  was  ar 
rested  by  seeing  quite  a  large  cavity,  where  the 
earth  had  sunk  several  feet  below  the  surface. 
While  gazing  down  she  heard  approaching  voices, 
and  saw  three  middle-aged  miners  just  about  to 
pass  her.  With  a  frank,  winning  smile  she  asked 
the  nearest,  "  Can  you  tell  me  what  has  caused 
this?" 

"  Certainly,"  he  answered,  as  his  face  lit  up  in 
response  to  her  manner.  The  others  paused  and 
drew  near  the  sink-hole,  as  he  continued,  "  You  see, 
Miss,  one  of  the  mines  near  the  surface  was  mostly 
worked  out,  and  the  supports  gave  way,  letting  it 
down.  You  mind  there,  where  the  coal  vein  shows," 
pointing  to  a  dark  spot  visible  through  the  snow. 

"  Was  any  one  hurt  when  it  fell  ?  " 

"  No.  They  generally  happen  at  night,  but 
make  a  big  noise  though.  If  near,  you'd  think  it 
were  an  earthquake." 

"  Isn't  there  danger  wherever  there  is  a  mine  ? 
And  if  it's  under  your  houses,  what  is  to  keep 
them  up  ?  " 


120  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

11  Oh,  we  know  where  there's  danger,  and  avoid 
it  in  time,"  said  another  man.  "  But,  Miss,  where  I 
was  workin'  once,  a  much  larger  piece  of  ground 
sank,  than  any  round  here  ;  and  a  house  on  it  was 
taken  down  and  entirely  buried  from  sight." 

"  Oh  !    Surely  there  were  no  people  in  it  ?  " 

"  Yes,  the  family  was  all  comfortably  asleep 
when  the  crash  came.  They  were  buried  alive.  It 
were  an  awful  thing,  for  they  must  have  been 
smothered." 

"  Could  nothing  be  done  to  help  them  ?  " 

"  Oh,  there  were  tons  and  tons  of  earth  on  top  of 
'em.  It  was  no  use.  They  couldn't  be  alive." 

"  Did  you  ever  see  a  coal  mine,  Miss?"  asked 
the  first  speaker. 

"  No.  I  am  a  stranger,  and  a  Yankee  you  will 
think  by  the  questions  I  ask." 

"  It's  a  pity  they  wasn't  workin',  so  you  could 
go  down.  But  perhaps  you'd  be  afraid  ?  " 

"Not  she!  I'd  trust  her  for  that.  She's  got 
the  grit  to  go  where  she'd  take  a  notion,"  said  the 
first  speaker. 

"Thank  you  for  the  compliment,"  said  Julia 
laughing.  "  I  think  I  would  go.  But  I  am  more 
sorry  for  your  sake,  than  mine,  that  the  mines  are 
closed." 

A  cloud  passed  over  the  men's  faces,  and  one 
answered,  "  Well,  ma'am,  we'd  go  in  to-morrow,  if 
the  bosses  would  give  us  our  rights." 


LIFE  AMONG    THE  LOWLY.  121 

"And  what  are  your  rights?" 

"The  same  we  had  last  year,  Miss?' 

"  But  I've  been  told  coal  don't  bring  as  high  a 
price  now.  How  can  they  afford  to  give  it  ?" 

"  It  costs  us  just  as  much  work,  time,  and  money 
to  dig  it  out.  Let  'em  go  wid  less  luxuries  and 
fine  parties,  and  not  economize  on  us  poor  folk, 
who  have  a  hard  pull  to  make  both  ends  meet,  at 
the  best." 

"  Really,  there  is  a  deal  of  truth  in  that ;  but 
then  you  can't  expect  high  wages  for  work  that 
don't  pay.  If  they  have  more  coal  on  hand  than 
they  can  sell,  what  are  they  to  do  ?"  asked  Julia. 

"  Stop  our  wages  till  they  could  work  it  off,  has 
been  their  plan.  Now  we've  stopped,  till  they  are 
ready  to  take  us  at  our  terms." 

'"  Well,  I  am  only  a  young  girl.  I  don't  pretend 
to  understand  these  questions.  But,  according  to 
my  notion,  you  are  injuring  yourselves  more  than 
you  can  them  ;  and  if  I  were  a  man,  nobody  would 
keep  me  idle  for  months.  If  I  could  not  do  one 
thing,  I  would  another." 

"  That's  easy  to  say,  Miss.  But  them  little  white 
hands  of  your'n  have  never  had  to  earn  a  livinV 

"  No  ;  yet  I  believe,  as  one  of  you  said,  I'd  have 
'  the  grit '  to  do  it,  if  necessary.  I  am  obliged  to 
you  however,  for  answering  my  questions  so  kind 
ly  ;  and  I  hope  I  may  have  a  chance  of  seeing  you 
under-ground.  That  sounds  rather  solemn  ;  but 


122  FORGING    THEIR    OWN  CHAINS. 

I'd  soon  put  you  there,  if  I  had  my  way.      Good 
bye." 

"  Good  luck  to  you,  Miss,  and  we'd  be  glad  to 
see  you  there,"  responded  the  men  in  a  hearty 
voice. 

Julia  walked  on,  and  as  she  viewed  the  cold 
dreary  landscape,  and  small  dark  houses,  without  a 
line  of  beauty  or  color  about  them,  she  shuddered 
at  the  thought  of  a  lifetime  spent  in  such  sur 
roundings  ;  and  she  drew  her  wraps  closer  about 
her,  as  she  felt  the  sharp  air,  for  heavy  clouds  had 
gradually  veiled  the  bright  winter  sky.  Yet  with 
a  buoyant  step  she  walked  down  the  street,  be 
tween  the  rows  of  houses,  till  a  pale,  thinly  clad 
girl  about  her  own  age  passed  carrying  a  heavy 
basket  of  the  coal  she  had  picked  up,  while  her 
cough  sounded  hollow  and  racking,  as  she  slowly 
moved  by.  Julia  looked  at  her,  and  thought, 
"  Why  should  there  be  such  a  difference  in  her 
lot  and  mine?  Why  should  I  be  clothed  in  soft 
raiment  and  fare  sumptuously  every  day,  while 
she  goes  cold  and  hungry  ?  Certainly  it's  no  fault 
of  hers.  And  surely  no  good  deeds  of  mine 
brought  my  wealth  and  luxuries." 

Then  dimly  there  came  to  her  mind  a  new  sense 
of  stewardship,  and  the  use  of  her  talents  which 
would  one  day  be  required — not  mere  careless, 
free-handed  charity,  that  costs  no  trouble  or  self- 
denial  ;  but  a  seeking  out  of  the  truly  deserving, 


LIFE  AMONG    THE  LOWLY.  123 

and  an  effort  to  lighten  somewhat  the  weight  of 
the  world's  suffering  and  destitution. 

Seeing  a  tidy,  middle-aged  woman  in  a  door 
way,  Julia  stepped  up  and  asked:  "Would  you 
please  give  me  a  glass  of  water,  and  let  me  sit 
down  a  few  minutes,  I  have  taken  a  long  walk  this 
morning?" 

"  Surely — come  in,  Miss,  an'  take  a  chair  ;  I've 
just  been  scrubbing  an'  I  fear  me  floor  is  damp  ; 
but  here's  a  bench  to  put  under  yer  feet." 

"  Thank  you.  How  clean  and  nice  your  room 
looks!  "  And  Julia  glanced  aroun/d  with  an  appre 
ciative  eye,  at  the  bare  floor  and  scanty  furniture, 
and  asked  :  "Are  you  a  native  of  this  country?  " 

"  No,  Miss,  we're  Welsh  ;  but  I've  been  here 
forty  .year,  and  that's  mor'n  you  can  say,"  she 
added  with  a  laugh,  as  she  brought  the  water. 

"Yes,  indeed;  but  then  I've  seen  Wales  since 
you  have." 

"  Oh !  have  you  been  there,  an'  can  you  speak 
Welsh,  Miss  ?  "  said  the  woman,  drawing  a  chair 
close  beside  her,  and  sitting,  in  her  eagerness,  on 
the  extreme  edge,  unconscious  that  the  water  was 
dripping  from  the  tumbler,  upon  her  clean  floor. 

"  Oh  no,  I  can't  speak  it  ;  indeed,  I  think  it  the 
most  unspeakable  language  in  the  world  ;  worse 
than  the  German,"  said  Julia,  laughing  ;  "  and  when 
written,  it  looks  to  me  as  if  you  had  just  jumbled 
all  the  letters  in  the  alphabet  together,  then  spilled 


124  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

them  out,  and,  whatever  came  first,  made  a  word 
which  you  called  what  you  please." 

"  Well,  now,  I  think  it  the  nicest  and  best  that 
man  ever  spoke.  But  whereabouts  was  you,  Miss?" 

"We  visited  Mount  Snowdon,  and  the  tremen 
dous  cliff  of  Penmaen-mawr.  We  spent  days 
roaming  among  the  lovely  glens,  and  fishing  in  the 
little  mountain  lakes,  or  tarns,  as  they  call  them. 
Oh  !  I  was  charmed  with  the  scenery  in  Wales." 

"Were  you  at  the  vale  of  Llangollan,  Miss?  Up 
the  far  end  of  that  were  my  home.  My  father 
owned  a  small  sheep-farm,  an'  William  Jones  (that's 
my  husband)  lived  just  above  us.  It  wasn't  easy 
makin'  a  livin'  there,  ye  see,  Miss,  for  the  higher 
up,  the  more  barren  the  mountains  are  ;  so  he  went 
to  work,  soon  as  he  growed  up,  in  the  coal  .mines 
in  South  Wales." 

"You  grew  up  together,  then  ?  Did  he  come 
back  for  you  ?  "  asked  Julia,  eager  to  draw  out  the 
woman's  history. 

"  Oh  yes,  Miss.  We  knowed  each  other  ever 
since  we  were  wee  little  tots,  an'  many's  the  time 
we've  played  together  in  the  river  Dee  and  fished 
in  the  tarns  you's  speakin'  of.  You  don't  know 
how  homesick  hearin'  about  it  agin  makes  me," 
and  tears  rolled  unheeded  down  her  cheeks,  as  she 
looked  at  the  few  embers  burning  on  the  hearth, 
while  memory  recalled  the  sweet  wild  glens,  and 
steep  mountain  passes  trod  by  tireless  little  feet. 


LIFE  AMONG    THE  LOWLY. 


125 


And  she  heaved  a.  weary  sigh  as  she  thought  of  the 
long  years  of  labor  and  exile  that  seemed  to  have 
gone  for  naught. 

After  a  moment's  pause  she  continued  :  "  Soon 
as  William  made  a  little  ahead,  Miss,  he  come 
back  to  his  old  home.  It  was  one  summer  when 
they'd  slack  work  at  the  mines.  Then  he  asked 
me  would  I  go  back  with  him  to  Glamorganshire. 
Ye  can  well  guess  my  answer.  Maybe  ye  know 
by  experience  yerself,  Miss,"  she  said  with  a  glance 
of  humor  shining  through  her  tears,  "  what  sort  of 
walks  we  took  that  summer,  when  the  moon  was 
shining  down  on  the  river,  and  the  air  blowing  fresh 
from  new-cut  hay.  Ah,  well,  I  were  always  home 
sick  in  South  Wales,  and  times  got  hard  and  work 
slack.  Then  a  friend  wrote  us  to  come  here  ;  that 
it  looked  more  like  our  old  home.  And  so  it  does, 
'specially  in  summer." 

"  How  are  you  getting  on  now?  Have  you  any 
children?" 

"  But  poorly,  ma'am.  William  has  not  been 
workin'  for  a  long  spell,  an'  we've  six  children. 
Lizzie  is  livin'  in  service,  and  that  brings  us  in  a 
little,  or  we'd  'most  starve." 

"  Did  your  husband  strike  with  the  others?  " 

"  No,  Miss,"  said  the  woman,  speaking  low.  "  He 
held  out  agin'  it  to  the  last.  So  did  Tom, 
my  eldest  son.  But  now  he  is  for  keepin'  out. 
That's  the  way  with  the  Welsh.  They'll  work  if 


126  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

let  be,  generally.  But  if  they  once  go  out,  they'll 
stay  longer  nor  the  rest.  William  knows  how 
these  strikes  end,  an'  he  didn't  want  it.  You'll  not 
find  a  soberer,  honester  man  than  my  William, 
Miss.  But  sometimes  I  hardly  know  him,  he's 
gettin'  so  different.  We's  often  pinched  for  food, 
and  it  makes  him  cross  to  see  the  childer  go 
hungry.  We've  used  up  all  our  savin's  laid  by, 
for  you  know  it  couldn't  be  much  in  such  a 
family,  and  the  help  we  get  don't  go  far." 

"  Couldn't  your  husband   get  work  anywhere?" 

"  Not  in  the  mines,  Miss.  It  wouldn't  be  safe 
for  him.  You'll  not  know  what  happened  poor 
John  Malone?  " 

"  Yes,"  said  Julia  indignantly.  "  Who  did  that 
cruel  deed  ?  " 

"  How  can  I  tell?  It  might  be  your  next-door 
neighbor." 

"  Well,  I  call  it  oppression  and  murder." 

"  That's  a  fact,  Miss,  and  I'll  own  to  you  it's  the 
worst  kind  of  slavery.  There's  a  deal  of  fine  talk 
about  our  rights,  but  many  would  be  glad  to  work 
now,  for  what  they  could  get,  if  they  dared." 

"  I  will  speak  to  Mr.  Graham  about  your  hus 
band,  and  see  if  something  can't  be  done." 

"  Why,  do  you  know  him  ?  I  thought  you  were 
a  stranger.  We  often  have  visitors  in  summer 
when  the  mines  are  workin'." 

"  No,  I  am  Miss  Earle,  Mrs.  Gordon's  sister,  vis- 


LIFE  AMONG    THE  LOWLY.  127 

iting  at  Cedar  Ridge.  I  came  out  for  a  walk  this 
morning,  and  I  did  not  realize  how  far  I  had  gone, 
but  I  am  nicely  rested  now.  Mrs.  Jones,"  she 
added,  rising  to  go,  "  will  you  please  use  this  for 
anything  the  children  may  need  ?  "  handing  her  a 
bill. 

"  God  bless  you,  Miss  Earle.  But  I  don't  like  to 
take  the  money.  Hearin'  about  home  made  my 
heart  so  full,  and  you  was  so  kind  that  all  my 
troubles  came  right  out.  But  it  has  done  me  a 
power  of  good.  I'll  always  be  glad  to  see  you." 

"  It  is  for  the  children,  Mrs.  Jones,"  said  Julia,  as 
she  pressed  it  into  her  hand  with  a  hearty  shake, 
and  tripped  down  the  steps,  away  to  the  spot 
where  she  saw  a  little  group  eagerly  waiting  with 
their  specimens  for  the  promised  reward.  Her 
pocket  was  heavier,  if  her  purse  was  lighter,  when 
she  reached  Cedar  Ridge. 

"  O  Julia,  where  have  you  been  ?  "  asked  Grace 
as  she  entered  the  dining-room,  long  after  the  hour 
for  luncheon. 

"  Taking  a  glimpse  of  the  'other  set/  and  how 
they  live,"  she  replied  carelessly. 

"  You  don't  mean  you've  been  among  the 
miners?  How  very  imprudent,  Julia." 

"  Maybe  it  was.  But  I  was  very  politely  treated, 
and  I  mean  to  see  more,  and  do  more  for  them. 
Just  think  ;  within  a  mile  of  us  are  people  almost 
starving !  If  you  would  go  among  them  and  find 


128  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

out  the  truly  deserving,  it  would  be  better  for 
both.  You  and  many  of  '  our  set '  put  all  working- 
people  down  as  low-minded,  cross,  and  vulgar. 
There  are  many  such,  God  knows.  But  I  have 
always  met  with  real  courtesy,  and  I  talked  this 
morning  with  a  woman  who  was  as  much  a  lady 
in  feeling  as  you  or  I." 

"  I  am  willing  to  help  the  deserving.  But  there 
is  no  use,  I  can't  go  among  them,  Julia;  I  don't 
know  how  to  meet  them,  and  always  get  imposed 
on.  Besides,  it's  their  own  leaders  who  keep  them 
idle." 

"  That  may  be,  and  I  hate  tyrannies,  disguised  as 
liberties  or  otherwise.  If  these  men  should  make 
a  raid  against  your  colliery,  I'd  defend  it  to  the 
death,  and  I'd  make  the  leaders  surfer.  But  I  de 
test  this  howling  down  of  the  laboring  class,  as  all 
bad,  all  selfish  and  designing  ;  when,  perhaps,  if 
we  had  to  struggle  in  a  hand-to-hand  fight  with 
poverty  and  ignorance  we  would  be  far  worse.  I 
wish  Mr.  Graham  were  here;  I  want  his  help,  for 
he  knows  all  about  them." 

"  You  must  wait  till  he  does  return,  before  you 
go  on  any  more  missions.  Then,  if  he  approves,  I 
will  not  object." 

The  conversation  then  turned  on  preparations 
for  the  party,  and  Julia's  philanthropic  plans  were 
forgotten  in  the  more  absorbing  discussion  of  cos 
tumes  and  decorations 


A   RIDE  FOR  LIFE.  129 


CHAPTER  IX. 

A    RIDE    FOR    LIFE. 

HE  night  of  the  masquerade  came  at  last, 
and  everything  was  done  to  render  it  a 
success.  The  hot-houses  were  robbed  of 
their  choicest  plants,  which  Julia  arranged 
in  retired  nooks  and  corners,  making  of  them  per 
fect  bowers  of  fragrance  and  bloom,  while  long 
wreaths  of  flowers  were  festooned  from  arch  to 
arch,  dividing  the  apartments. 

Ere  long  the  guests  arrived,  and  through  the 
brilliant  rooms  the  gorgeous  toilets  mingled  like 
the  shifting  colors  of  a  kaleidoscope.  From  an  in 
visible  orchestra  floated  out  soft,  airy  music,  chang 
ing  later  to  a  measured  cadence,  that  set  all  the 
light  young  feet  in  motion. 

Winding  through  the  mazes  of  the  same  dance, 
might  be  seen  a  gay  Turk  in  white  turban  and  scar 
let  jacket,  all  bespangled  and  glittering,  and  a  sable 
draped  nun,  clasping  her  beads,  or  a  harlequin  in 
striped  jerkin  and  hose,  ringing  his  bells,  as  he 
whirls  some  stately  Queen  of  Scots  ;  jostling  as  he 
passes  Old  Mortality  and  a  flower-girl  talking  to- 


130  FORGING    THEIR  OWN  CHAINS. 

gather,  or  a  fierce  Indian  in  wampum  and  feathers, 
by  the  side  of  a  meek  little  Quakeress. 

Julia  chose  to  represent  the  spirit  of  winter,  and 
never  was  it  more  perfectly  executed.  Her  dress 
was  of  soft  white  lace  dipped  in  alum  water,  till  it 
glistened  like  frost-work,  while  her  veil  of  the  same 
material,  fastened  to  a  swan's-down  cap,  fell  in 
graceful  folds,  and  floated  about  her.  Her  brown 
curls  were  showered  with  glittering  powder,  while 
bands  and  flakes  of  swan's-down  twined  round 
her,  like  graceful  snow-wreaths,  mingled  with  the 
cold  sheen  of  sparkling  diamonds.  Ada  Hunt 
remembered  her  cousin's  remark,  that  she  ought 
to  be  an  eastern  sultana,  and  decided  to  assume 
that  character ;  and  none  of  the  enchanting  prin 
cesses  of  the  Arabian  nights  could  have  been  more 
beautiful.  Over  a  rich  brocade  of  scarlet  and  gold 
she  wore  a  long  azure  veil,  studded  with  pearls, 
while  a  jeweled  crown  rested  lightly  on  her 
dark  braids,  and  broad  bands  of  gilt  girded  her 
waist  and  arms.  That  much  of  the  glitter  was 
tinsel  and  glass,  did  not  detract  from  the  brilliant 
effect. 

After  supper  Julia's  delicate  dress  became  the 
victim  of  awkward  feet,  and  she  was  obliged  to 
seek  the  dressing-room  to  repair  damages.  Find 
ing  the  broad  staircase  taken  possession  of  by 
nymphs  and  fairies  with  their  several  admirers,  she 
passed  through  a  passageway  between  the  library 


A  RIDE  FOR  LIFE.  131 

and  dining-room  toward  her  room.  Feeling  a 
strong  draft  of  air  she  looked  into  the  library  and 
noticed  one  window  opened,  as  she  supposed,  to 
cool  off  the  house,  which  the  lights  and  number 
of  guests  made  unusually  warm. 

The  wind  had  extinguished  the  light,  but  through 
the  open  door  one  could  distinctly  see  the  gay 
scene  beyond.  Just  as  she  was  passing,  she  heard 
a  voice  from  outside  say,  in  a  hoarse  whisper, 
"Whist,  Sam!  there's  Hunt,  dressed  in  purple 
velvet.  Curse  him  !  That  looks  as  if  he  couldn't 
afford  our  old  wages  !  " 

Julia  stopped  as  if  spell-bound.  She  immediately 
suspected  that  some  of  the  miners  were  looking  on. 
Perhaps  they  meant  mischief.  She  must  find  out 
who  they  were  and  what  were  their  intentions.  So 
she  glided  through  the  dark  shadows,  till  near 
enough  to  the  window  to  both  see  and  hear.  Find 
ing  only  two  men,  she  resolved  to  listen,  instead 
of  giving  any  alarm. 

"  We'll  bring  him  to  such  terms  soon,  he'll  be 
glad  to  pay  us  whatever  we  choose,"  replied 
Walker. 

"  How  so?"  asked  Bill  McQuaid. 

"  I  can't  tell  you  here.  We'll  move  further  off 
soon,  but  I  first  want  to  know  if  they've  asked 
Stokes  to  their  party." 

"Who  is  he?" 

"  Only  an  old   army  contractor  and  desperate 


132  FORGING  THEIR  OWN  CHAINS. 

gambler,  dressed  up  as  a  gentleman.  He's  a  par 
ticular  friend  of  our  boss  just  now." 

"  How  cum  you  to  know  him  ?  " 

"  Don't  you  remember,  I  was  quartermaster  of 
our  brigade  for  a  while  ?  He  was  down  there  then 
arranging  to  deliver  a  contract  for  army  overcoats. 
My  !  he  used  to  do  the  greatest  amount  of  gam 
bling.  Why  he'd  bet  on  the  battles,  and  such  like. 
And  he  always  won,  I  can't  tell  ye  how,  except  that 
the  divil  helped  his  own.  Then,  when  those  coats 
came,  they  were  so  rotten  you  could  stick  your 
finger  through  them  anywhere ;  would  hardly 
hold  together  while  the  men  were  trying  them  on. 
If  he'd  been  on  hand  then,  it's  short  grace  the  boys 
would  have  given  him." 

"  Do  you  think  our  bosses  are  up  to  bettin'  or — 

"  Pshaw,  man !  Stokes  is  above  that  now. 
Didn't  you  ever  hear  of  gambling  in  stocks  ?  " 

"  Can't  say  I'm  posted.  But,  Sam,  have  you  seen 
the  superintendent  yet?" 

"  No,  they  say  he's  gone  to  Philadelphia,  and  I 
mor'n  suspect  it's  to  get  men  to  start  up  the 
mines." 

"  By  — ,  if  he  does  that  he'll  be  sorry.  Look  here  ; 
couldn't  one  make  a  splendid  haul  some  dark  night ! 
See  the  silver  lyin'  round  in  there,"  pointing  to 
the  dining-room,  plainly  revealed  from  their  posi 
tion  by  a  glass  door  opening  into  the  library. 

"  Bah  !  you'd  only  get  quarters  in  State's-prison 


A   RIDE  FOR  LIFE.  133 

for  your  pains.  There's  little  use  trying  that  game, 
unless  you  are  a  gentleman  thief,  and  can  do  your 
stealing  by  the  thousand.  Come  let's  go  to  the 
clump  of  cedars  in  front  of  them  windows  ;  we  can 
see  better,  and  I've  got  something  to  tell  you. 
Some  one  might  come  in  here.  It's  time  we  had  a 
little  part  in  this  play." 

The  men  then  cautiously  moved  off,  and  Julia 
watched  till  she  saw  them  take  a  position  on  the 
outskirts  of  the  clump.  What  should  she  do?  She 
had  heard  enough  to  make  it  absolutely  necessary 
that  she  should  know  more.  Quick  as  thought  she 
ran  up  to  the  dressing-room,  secured  a  black  domino, 
and  drew  a  pair  of  rubbers  over  her  white  slippers ; 
then  stole  softly  down  a  private  stairs,  and  out  of  a 
basement  door,  back  of  the  cedars.  No  one  no 
ticed  her,  and  carefully  working  her  way  round 
under  the  shadow  of  shrubbery,  she  came  to  a  posi 
tion  behind  the  men,  where  crouching  down  low 
among  the  trees,  she  listened  breathlessly  to  their 
conversation. 

"  I  don't  know  about  doin'  that  job  for  Boss 
Malcome.  We'll  have  Dan  down  on  us,  an'  he's  got 
a  power  of  influence  among  many  here.  We'd 
better  make  a  raid,  stop  the  pumps,  put  out  the 
fires;  and  if  anybody  gets  hurt  it's  their  look  out," 
said  Walker. 

"  I'd  like  to  get  both  of  them  chaps  out  of  the 
way.  I  hate  Ned  Malcome,  for  I've  a  notion  he's 


134  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

trying  to  make  up  to  Bessie  Walker,  though    she 
don't  seem  to  take  to  him." 

"  Don't  be  too  sure  of  that.  I  met  them  walking 
very  lovingly  together  a  few  nights  ago." 

Bill  McQuaid  ripped  out  a  terrible  oath,  and 
added,  "  I'll  fix  him  ;  you  look  out  for  the  rest. 
We'd  better  meet  to-morrow  at  the  big  rock  an' 
talk  it  up.  That's  better  than  behind  Walker's 
store  ;  I'll  have  all  the  fellers  there." 

"  Yes,  we  must  have  force  enough  to  carry  all 
before  us.  See  !  that's  Stokes  talkin'  to  that  stun- 
nin'  lookin'  woman  in  blue  veil  and  gold  crown. 
Curse  him,  an't  he  swell  to-night  !  But  I  believe 
him  a  bigger  scamp  than  you,  Bill." 

"  That's  sayin'  a  good  deal.  I'd  like  to  know 
what  he's  up  to  with  our  boss." 

During  this  conversation  Julia  stood  shivering 
with  terror  and  cold,  while  in  front  of  her,  almost 
within  reach,  were  the  two  conspirators,  plotting 
riot  and  murder ;  while  beyond  she  saw  the  warm 
brilliant  parlors,  and  gay  throng  flitting  to  and  fro, 
while  melodious  strains  of  music  were  wafted  on  the 
night  air.  As  she  watched,  she  saw  Hunt  come 
forward  and  claim  Ada  from  Stokes,  then  clasp 
ing  her  waist,  together  they  floated  down  the  long 
rooms.  She  noted  the  expression  of  anger  and 
jealousy  visible  on  Stokes'  face,  and  it  seemed  but 
the  reflection  of  her  own  feelings.  During  the  past 
week  she  had  been  indulging  the  belief  that  Hunt 


A   RIDE  FOR  LIFE.  135 

really  loved  her,  and  that  he  was  all  her  sister's 
words  and  her  own  fancy  painted  him.  Now  her 
present  position  and  the  gay  scene  beyond  seemed 
but  the  phantasm  of  a  feverish  dream.  If  she 
could  only  shriek  out  her  terror,  the  awful  night 
mare  would  pass.  She  made  a  slight  movement, 
and  one  of  the  men  looking  back  said,  "  Hark ! 
didn't  you  hear  something?" 

This  roused  her  to  a  sense  of  danger,  and  she  be 
came  motionless  as  the  trees  beside  her.  They  saw 
nothing  to  create  suspicion  and  supposed  it  was 
only  the  wind  swaying  the  branches.  Then  Bill 
said,  "Come.  It's  deuced  cold.  I've  seen  enough 
of  this.  Let's  be  movin',''  and  shaking  his  fists  at 
the  windows,  he  added,  "  We'll  give  'em  another 
party  soon." 

"Ay,  ay.      It  will   be   more   lively,  if   not   so 

gay-" 

Then  they  strode  down  the  avenue.  When  out 
of  sight,  Julia  emerged ;  and  though  stiff  and 
cramped,  succeeded  in  reaching  her  room  unob 
served. 

Here  she  threw  off  her  black  robe,  and  tried  to 
remove  the  deadly  chills  creeping  over  her.  In  a 
few  moments  Grace  knocked  at  her  door,  and 
when  admitted,  said,  "  Isn't  your  dress  repaired 
yet?  What  has  kept  you  so  long?  Several  are 
asking  for  you." 

"  I  don't  feel  very  well.      Won't  you  bring  me  a 


136  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

little  wine   quietly?     I  will  have  my  dress  ready 
then,  and  come  down." 

Grace  was  alarmed  at  her  sister's  pale  face,  and 
was  about  to  insist  on  her  not  appearing  again  ; 
but  Julia's  whole  effort  now  was  to  keep  up,  and 
avoid  suspicion  till  the  company  left,  and  she  had 
time  to  think  what  was  best  to  be  done.  Soon 
she  was  again  in  the  crowd,  apparently  the  gayest 
of  the  gay.  By  the  time  the  guests  all  left,  she 
came  to  the  conclusion  that  she  ought  to  tell  Hunt 
that  night  what  she  had  overheard,  so  that  he  could 
take  immediate  steps  to  secure  the  safety  of  the 
colliery. 

As  she  passed  through  the  deserted  parlors,  she 
came  upon  Grace,  making  final  preparations  for 
the  night.  On  inquiring  for  Hunt,  she  told  her 
that  he  had  complained  of  a  headache  and  retired 
some  time  before  all  the  guests  left. 

Julia  reflected  that  if  she  told  her  sister,  or 
Frank,  they  would  be  very  much  alarmed,  and 
there  could  be  nothing  done  before  morning.  She 
would  then  be  sure  to  see  Hunt ;  so  she  quietly 
sought  her  room.  She  had  heard  enough  of  their 
situation  with  the  miners,  to  realize  that  this  was 
an  extremely  serious  and  delicate  affair,  and  if  not 
managed  judiciously,  might  precipitate  the  most 
disastrous  consequences.  She  had  not  much  con 
fidence  in  her  brother-in-law's  judgment,  and  felt 
an  anxious  wish  that  Graham  was  at  home.  Then 


A    RIDE  FOR  LIFE.  137 

her  thoughts  reverted  to  the  insinuations  Walker 
had  thrown  out  against  Stokes  and  his  intimacy 
with  Hunt.  All  her  suspicions  were  again  fully 
aroused.  But  worn  out  with  fatigue,  and  stupe 
fied  by  the  unusual  stimulus  she  had  taken,  she 
soon  fell  into  a  heavy  sleep. 

When  she  awoke  next  morning,  her  watch  told 
her  that  it  was  nearly  noon.  Frightened  at  the  late 
hour,  she  dressed  rapidly  and  went  down  to  seek 
Hunt ;  but  to  her  dismay,  found  that  both  he  and 
Frank  Gordon  had  gone  to  a  distant  town,  and 
would  not  be  back  till  the  late  train  that  night. 
The  mischief  might  be  done  before  their  return. 
There  was  only  one  resource  left.  That  was  to 
find  Bessie  Walker  and  tell  her.  If  she  loved  Ned 
Malcome,  she  would  find  a  way  of  warning  him. 
There  was  no  use  alarming  her  sister.  So  she  said 
that  she  wanted  to  do  some  shopping  in  the  town, 
and  asked  if  John  could  drive  her  down,  while  the 
air  was  warm  and  pleasant. 

Grace  assented,  and  she  soon  reached  the  town 
and  found  Walker's  store.  Leaving  the  sleigh  a 
little  distance  off,  she  quietly  stepped  to  the  private 
entrance,  and  knocked.  A  bright  young  girl 
answered  her  summons,  with  large  brown  eyes 
full  of  wonder,  as  she  saw  a  strange  lady  on  the 
steps.  Julia  held  out  her  hand  and  said,  "I  am 
sure  this  must  be  Miss  Bessie  Walker." 

"  Yes,"  was  the  hesitating  reply  ;  "  did  you  wish 
to  see  me?  " 


138  FORGING   THEIR  OWN  CHAINS. 

"  I  do,  and  alone,"  she  almost  whispered,  coming 
close  to  her.  Bessie  glanced  back  at  the  living- 
room,  where  were  her  mother  and  the  children ; 
then  said  :  "  I  don't  know,  ma'am,  how  I  can  man 
age  that — or  what  you  can  want,"  she  added  with 
a  half  suspicious  glance. 

But  Julia's  frank  manner  won  her  confidence,  as 
much  as  her  words,  when  she  said,  "  I  have  some 
thing  very  important  to  tell  you.  One  you  care 
very  much  for  is  in  danger  ;  I  think  you  alone  can 
help  him.  Put  on  your  hat  and  make  some  excuse 
to  join  me.  I  am  Miss  Earle — Mrs.  Gordon's  sis 
ter.  I'll  wait  for  you  on  the  next  block." 

Bessie  said  that  she  would  come  immediately ; 
then  Julia  walked  slowly  to  and  fro,  till  she  saw 
her,  when  tapping  her  shoulder  she  bade  her  fol 
low  her  to  the  sleigh.  Having  taken  their  seats  she 
ordered  the  coachman  to  drive  to  a  quiet  street, 
and  bidding  him  drive  slowly  told  her  in  a  few 
rapid  words  what  she  had  overheard  of  Walker's 
plan  to  attack  the  colliery  and  injure  Malcome. 

"  Did  you  tell  Mr.  Graham  ?  "  asked  Bessie. 

"  No,  he  is  away.  So  is  Mr.  Hunt  and  brother 
Frank.  I  don't  know  Malcome,  so  could  rely  on 
you  only." 

"  I  must  go  to  Ned  at  once.  Uncle  Sam  will 
be  sure  to  know  that  they  are  all  away,  and  take 
this  chance,"  said  Bessie. 

"  Stay  in  the  sleigh,  and  we'll  drive  there.' 


A   RIDE  FOR  LIFE.  139 

"  Thank  you,  Miss  Earle.  That  will  be  the 
quickest." 

They  were  soon  whirling  rapidly  toward  the 
breaker.  Neither  spoke,  till  near  the  spot  Bessie 
said,  "  They  haven't  come  yet,  please  let  me  out 
here.  I  must  coax  Ned  away ;  it  is  all  that  can  be 
done  now." 

"Couldn't  he  get  some  of  the  men  to  help  him, 
who  wouldn't  approve  of  the  raid  ?  I  must  see 
him  too.  There  is  no  one  else  to  act  for  the  safety 
of  the  works.  I'll  wait  till  you  bring  him  here." 

Bessie  assented,  then  flew  down  to  the  little 
office,  and  laid  a  light  hand  on  Malcome's  shoulder 
before  he  saw  her.  He  turned  quickly  and  ex 
claimed,  "Why,  Bessie,  how  came  you  here  ?  " 

"  Ned,  come  away  with  me.  You  are  in  great 
danger,"  she  cried  ;  then,  catching  her  breath,  she 
rapidly  told  him  what  threatened  him,  and  how  she 
had  found  it  out,  ending  her  story  by  begging  him 
to  leave  at  once.  The  other  men  wouldn't  protect 
him,  and  he  alone  would  be  sacrificed. 

Ned  knew  that  this  was  true,  but  it  seemed  like 
cowardly  desertion  to  fly  from  his  post,  before  they 
had  even  struck  a  blow,  when  he  would  be  leaving 
his  employers'  property  defenceless  in  their  absence. 
No,  he  must  stay  and  abide  by  the  consequences  ; 
his  promise  to  Graham  bound  him.  This  decision 
he  tried  to  explain  to  Bessie,  but  she  became  per 
fectly  frenzied  with  grief  and  fear.  She  hung  upon 


140  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

his  arm,  begging  him  if  he  had  any  love  for  her  to 
go  with  her  at  once.  She  pictured  the  grief  and 
helplessness  of  his  blind  mother  and  delicate  sister, 
if  he  were  killed.  "  It  is  your  life  Bill  McQuaid 
seeks  ;  what  can  you  do  against  a  band  of  ruffians?  " 
she  pleaded.  His  inclination  and  judgment  urged 
him  to  follow  her  advice,  while  his  honor  and  pride 
seemed  to  bind  him  to  remain.  He  finally  decided 
to  go  for  his  brother  and  some  of  the  more  reliable 
men  to  help  him.  But  Bessie  urged  that,  "  he  did 
not  know  who  were  reliable.  No  doubt  Dan 
would  stand  by  him,  but  it  was  evident  her  uncle 
and  Bill  would  get  all  the  roughs  from  the  other 
collieries  they  could.  The  men  might  be  afraid  to 
oppose  them  and  think  it  safest  to  remain  neutral. 
He  well  knew  their  power  of  taking  revenge  on 
offenders." 

"Yes,  I  know,"  said  Malcome,  sadly;  "and  if 
they  have  resolved  on  my  life,  I  might  as  well  die 
at  my  post,  as  skulking  away ;  they'll  be  sure  to 
find  me." 

"  Didn't  Christ  say  to  his  disciples,  '  If  they  perse 
cute  you  in  one  city,  flee  ye  to  another?'  Surely, 
your  duty  to  a  temporal  interest  can't  claim  higher 
fidelity." 

"  But,  Bessie,  where  can  I  go?  If  I  return  home, 
I  will  only  expose  mother  and  Annie." 

"  Go  to  Bridget  McGuire's  to-night.  They'll  not 
think  of  seeking  you  there." 


A  RIDE  FOR  LIFE.  141 

Just  then  their  conversation  was  interrupted  by 
Julia  bursting  in  upon  them,  saying:  "The  raiders 
are  coming  !  I  saw  a  crowd  of  men  filing  down  the 
mountain  road,  toward  the  works." 

Malcome  ran  up  the  steps,  to  the  top  of  the 
breaker,  and  saw  that  it  was  indeed  so.  They  were 
then  half  a  mile  away,  marching  rapidly  in  a  com 
pact  body.  Springing  down  stairs,  he  exclaimed, 
"My  God!  they  are  close  upon  us!  There's  no 
time  to  lose  !  This  way,  quick  !  " 

He  led  them  below  the  bank,  where  a  valley 
road  wound  round  the  base  of  Cedar  Ridge.  Call 
ing  to  the  coachman,  on  the  hill  above,  he  ordered 
him  down  there  immediately,  in  Miss  Earle's  name. 
John  had  seen  who  were  coming,  and  didn't  need 
a  second  urging  to  bring  him  to  the  spot.  Malcome 
placed  the  girls  in  the  back  seat,  then  sprang  in  by 
John,  telling  him  to  take  the  valley  road  and  drive 
for  life.  They  must  make  the  turn,  and  cross  the 
bridge  before  the  mob  reached  the  colliery. 

The  horses  were  put  under  the  lash,  and  they 
flew  over  the  road.  Not  a  word  was  spoken  till 
the  bridge  was  passed,  and  they  paused  on  the  bank 
above,  to  see  what  was  going  on  behind  them. 
Looking  toward  the  colliery,  they  saw  a  mass  of 
men  pouring  down  upon  the  works,  while  a  posse 
made  a  rush  toward  the  little  office,  and  aimed  sev 
eral  shots  at  the  spot  where  they  supposed  Mal 
come  stood.  He  turned  pale  as  he  realized  the 


142  FORGING  THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

danger  from  which  he  had  so  narrowly  escaped, 
while  Bessie  gave  a  low  cry  of  horror. 

"  Oh  !  will  they  kill  the  other  men  ?  "  exclaimed 
Julia. 

"  No,  I  think  not ;  see,  they  have  promised  to 
strike  work;  some  have  gone  into  my  room  and 
found  out  I'm  not  there.  It  is  possible  the  fire 
men  may  have  seen  us  drive  off." 

"  Do  you  think  they  will  attack  Cedar  Ridge  ?  " 
asked  Julia,  filled  with  anxiety  about  Grace. 

"  No,  I  am  more  afraid  they  will  seek  me  at 
home,  and  frighten  mother  and  Annie,  if  they 
don't  do  worse." 

"  What  shall  I  do  now,  and  how  can  I  get 
home?  " 

"  Your  best  plan,  Miss  Earle,  is  to  go  at  once  to 
the  bank,  where  Mr.  Hunt  is  president,  find  out 
his  whereabouts,  and  telegraph  for  him  and  Mr. 
Gordon  to  return  by  the  first  train  ;  then  send  John 
back  with  a  note  to  your  sister,  and  wait  for  them 
in  town.  I  see  the  raiders  are  moving  off;  we  must 
ride  on  fast,  lest  they  intercept  us." 

"  I  should  have  told  Mr.  Hunt  last  night,  but  I 
was  so  horrified  and  bewildered  that  I  could  not 
command  my  wits ;  I  thought  I'd  surely  see  him 
in  the  morning." 

She  did  not  add  that  the  charges  against  Hunt 
had,  for  the  time,  borne  down  all  other  fears. 

"Indeed,   Miss   Earle,  I   owe   my  life   to   your 


A   RIDE  FOR  LIFE.  143 

promptness  in  seeking  Bessie.  I  shall  ever  be 
grateful,  and  if  I  can  render  you  a  service,  I  am  at 
your  command !  "  Then,  as  they  reached  the 
suburbs  of  the  town,  Malcome  added :  "  I  had 
better  leave  you  here  ;  I  don't  want  to  be  recog 
nized,  or  some  one  may  track  me.  I  shall  hide  till 
dark,  then  make  my  way  through  the  forest  to 
Biddy  Aguire's.  Bessie,  can  you  send  word  to  Dan, 
to  meet  me  there?  " 

This  she  promised  to  accomplish,  and  with  an 
urgent  request  for  him  to  be  cautious,  they  bade 
him  good-bye  and  rode  on. 

When  Julia  reached  the  bank,  she  told  the  cashier 
what  had  happened.  He  immediately  dispatched 
a  message  to  Hunt  and  ushered  her  into  his  private 
office  to  await  the  reply.  When  the  gentlemen  ar 
rived  Julia  met  them  at  the  station,  and  after  they 
were  seated  in  the  sleigh  gave  them  a  detailed 
account  of  what  had  happened.  Hunt  said  that 
they  must  immediately  secure  a  writ  for  the  sheriff 
to  arrest  Walker  and  McQuaid,  the  ringleaders,  and 
protect  the  pump-men. 

But  they  failed  in  catching  the  men.  Walker 
saw  that  he  had  made  a  mistake  in  attempting  the 
raid.  The  majority  of  the  miners  were  not  in  sym 
pathy  with  such  extreme  measures ;  but  warning 
was  given  him,  and  he  and  McQuaid  escaped  to 
other  regions,  where  a  class  of  desperadoes  had 
made  raids  and  outrages  quite  the  fashion. 


144  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

A  few  days  after  the  events  just  recorded,  Frank 
Gordon  said  to  his  wife  at  the  breakfast-table, 
"  Grace,  can  we  have  dinner  at  two.  I  want  Stokes 
to  dine  with  us,  and  he  leaves  town  on  the  five 
o'clock  train." 

"  Certainly.  Is  this  a  permanent  departure  ?  " 
she  asked.  Julia  and  Ada  both  looked  up  to  hear 
his  answer,  as  he  carelessly  replied,  "  No,  only  for 
a  few  weeks  ;  but  Henry  and  I  want  to  talk  over 
some  business  matters  with  him  before  he  goes,  and 
can  do  it  better  here." 

Julia  wondered  many  times  that  morning  whether 
the  charges  brought  against  Stokes  were  true,  and 
resolved  to  lead  the  conversation  in  such  a  way  as 
to  find  out.  When  they  gathered  at  the  table 
Maurice  Graham  had  returned.  As  he  took  his 
seat,  Hunt  asked  if  he  had  heard  of  the  raid  ? 

"Yes,"  he  replied.  "  But  how  did  you  discover 
their  plans,  Miss  Earle?  " 

"Yes,  Julia,"  said  Ada,  "you  told  us  you  heard 
them  talking  by  the  library  window.  Did  they 
arrange  it  all  there  ?  " 

"  No,  they  only  hinted  at  something,  and  made 
me  determine  to  know  the  rest ;  then  moved  off  to 
that  clump  of  cedars  fronting  the  drawing-room 
windows.  I  immediately  masqueraded  in  a  black 
domino,  as  a  female  spy,  surrounded  them  in  the 
rear — at  least  made  a  half  circle,  and  was  an  un 
known  visitor  at  their  council  of  war.  Then  I  set 


A    RIDE  FOR  LIFE.  145 

my  wits  to  work  to  '  circumwent'  them,  as  Sam 
Weller  would  say." 

"  Oh,  Julia!"  cried  Grace.  "That's  what  made 
you  so  pale  and  chilly  when  I  came  to  your  room. 
My  child  !  they  might  have  discovered  and  killed 
you  out  there  in  the  darkness,  and  we  never  have 
known." 

"  I  think  you  would  have  known  if  they  had 
tried  it  ;  I  have  strong  lungs.  Still,  I  had  no  wish 
to  exercise  them  then." 

"  But  did  you  realize  the  danger?" 

"  Yes  ;  but  I  was  resolved  to  know  what  they 
said,  if  I  died  for  it.  Your  dose  of  brandy  so  be 
fogged  my  brain  that  it  nearly  proved  fatal  to  Mai- 
come.  I  am  a  temperance  woman,  and  can't  bear 
such  strong  potions." 

"  I  think  you  showed  wonderful  presence  of 
mind,  and  courage,  Miss  Julia,  though  we  had 
already  received  proof  of  that,"  said  Graham. 

"  Yes,  we  ought  to  make  you  sheriff,"  added  Hunt. 

"  I  warrant  you,  then  I'd  find  out  the  whereabouts 
of  Walker  and  McQuaid,  and  some  other  things 
I  want  to  know  too,"  said  Julia,  with  a  keen  glance 
at  Stokes. 

"You  would  make  Miss  Earle  a  prying  woman, 
a  character  I  detest,"  said  Stokes. 

"  You  like  better  the  clinging,  trusting  kind ; 
that's  very  nice  if  they  have  a  sure  support,"  re 
plied  Julia. 


146  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

"  I  should  think  you  could  easily  obtain  that," 
said  Stokes,  with 'great  suavity. 

"  Well,  I  am  looking  out  for  a  good,  sturdy  oak; 
one  that  isn't  making  too  rapid  growth." 

Stokes  and  Hunt  looked  uneasy.  There  seemed 
a  hidden  meaning  in  her  words.  Ada,  to  cause  a 
diversion,  asked  if  the  men  made  any  comments  on 
the  party. 

"  Yes,  they  admired  you  exceedingly  ;  and,  Mr. 
Stokes,  Mr.  Walker  recognized  you  as  an  old  army 
acquaintance." 

"  Me!  "  exclaimed  Stokes,  evidently  very  much 
annoyed ;  then  instantly  recovering  himself,  he 
replied,  carelessly :  "  I  have  no  recollection  of  him  ; 
I  never  served  in  the  army." 

"  He  did  not  speak  of  you  as  belonging  to  the 
army,  but  he  seemed  to  know  you  very  well,"  said 
Julia,  quietly,  while  her  keen  eyes  detected  a  shade 
of  pallor  on  his  face.  Hunt  felt  that  he  must  find 
out  what  Julia  knew  of  Stokes's  antecedents,  but 
the  present  was  no  time  for  investigation,  so  he 
made  another  diversion,  by  asking  Graham  whether 
John  Malone  was  getting  well. 

"Yes,"  replied  Maurice,  "but  his  wife  is  failing 
very  fast.  I  wish  she  had  my  saucer  of  wine-jelly." 

"Why,  John  can  take  her  some  this  afternoon," 
said  Grace. 

"  Thank  you  ;  it  will  be  a  great  kindness,"  an 
swered  Graham,  as  they  rose  from  the  table. 


A   RIDE  FOR  LIFE  147 

Julia  followed  her  sister  to  the  store-room  after 
dinner,  and  said  in  her  impulsive  way.  "  Grace,  do 
you  feel  easy  in  having  Frank  and  Mr.  Hunt  so 
mixed  up  with  that  Stokes?  Is  your  property 
placed  so  that  if  they  lose  yours  can't  be  in 
volved?" 

"  Why,  Julia,  I  am  ashamed  of  you  !  Do  you 
suppose  I  can't  trust  my  husband  to  look  after  my 
interests  ?  You  allow  your  violent  prejudices  to  run 
away  with  your  good  sense.  I  see  nothing  so  bad 
in  that  man." 

"  Sam  Walker  called  him  a  gambler,  and  shoddy 
army  contractor.  I  am  not  accusing  your  husband 
of  intentional  wrong,  but  it  wouldn't  be  the  first 
time  a  wife  lost  everything  through  her  husband's 
speculations  with  a  sharper." 

"You  are  certainly  very  fanciful  this  afternoon. 
Mr.  Stokes  denied  knowing  Walker.  I'll  take  his 
word  first.  I  have  seen  nothing  to  alarm  me,  and 
am  not  going  to  imagine  troubles  when  these  miners' 
raids  give  us  enough  to  worry  about." 

Julia  turned  away  with  a  sigh,  Her  own  sus 
picions  were  very  strong,  but  the  circumstantial  evi 
dence  was  too  weak  to  act  upon,  so  she  could  only 
await  future  developments.  Feeling  uncomforta 
ble  and  restless,  she  proposed  going  up  with  the 
coachman,  to  see  what  else  Mrs.  Malone  might 
need.  Grace  objected,  as  it  looked  like  a  snow 
storm  ;  but  Julia  urged  that  it  was  but  a  short  dis- 


148  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

tance,  and  the  weather  was  no  more  threatening 
than  it  had  been  all  day ;  so,  as  usual,  her 
stronger  will  carried  the  point,  and  she  was  soon 
on  her  way. 


A   MISERABLE  DEATH-BED  149 


CHAPTER  X 

A   MISERABLE   DEATH-BED. 

HEN  Julia  started  on  her  ride,  the 
clouds  hung  heavy  over  the  mountains, 
and  the  east  wind  was  cutting  in  its 
sharpness.  She  almost  repented  of  her 
adventure  before  the  cottage  was  reached.  No 
one  answered  her  knock,  so  she  walked  in.  Here 
a  painful  sight  met  her  eyes.  John  Malone,  with 
one  arm  still  in  a  sling,  was  trying  with  the  other 
to  support  his  wife,  who,  in  a  terrible  fit  of  cough 
ing,  seemed  about  to  suffocate.  Julia  sprang  for 
ward,  for  the  paleness  of  his  face  made  her  fear 
that  they  would  both  fall  back  together.  Mrs. 
Malone  gazed  at  her,  wild  with  terror  and  suffering. 
Julia  supposed  it  the  death-struggle,  and  could  do 
nothing  but  help  support  her. 

At  last  the  paroxysm  passed,  and  she  lay  back 
gasping  for  breath.  Julia  then  raised  a  window, 
and,  as  she  fanned  her,  asked  Malone  if  he  had 
no  one  to  help  him. 

"  Me  daughter,  Mary,  has  gone  for  Biddy 
Aguire  agin.  She  had  a  spell  a  while  back,  and 
I  belaved  this  would  be  her  last." 


150  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

"  Sure,  Miss  Earle,"  said  the  poor  woman  in  a 
whisper,  "  is  it  dyin'  I  am  ?  I  never  thought  but 
I'd  get  well  if  spring  would  only  cum.  Oh  !  can't 
the  doctor  save  me?  I'm  not  ready  yet." 

Then  the  cough  returning,  she  cried  out  as 
soon  as  it  passed,  "  Oh,  I'm  feered  it'll  cum  agin  ; 
spake  to  me  a  comfortin'  word,  won't  ye,  Miss 
Earle,  and  pray  the  Lord  to  have  marcy  on  me 
sowl !  " 

Julia  could  not  recall  a  single  verse  that  would 
apply  to  her  wants  ;  and  how  could  she  who  never 
really  prayed  for  herself,  help  this  dying  woman  ? 
She  had  never  seen  death  before,  and  now  this 
poor  creature  clung  to  her  as  her  only  refuge. 

"Oh!  I  can't  help  you,"  said  Julia  in  distress. 
"  I  will  go  for  Mr.  Graham.  He  is  a  good  man 
aud  can  read  and  pray  with  you." 

"  Yis,  yis ;  send  for  him,  quick.  But  maybe 
he'll  not  cum.  I  were  allus  oneasy  when  he'd  be 
after  talkin'  religion.  I  wouldn't  belave  I  couldn't 
get  well." 

Julia  thought  of  her  resolution  to  prepare  for 
the  next  world  when  sickness  came.  Yet  here  was 
this  woman,  after  months  of  wasting  illness,  on 
the  brink  of  eternity  and  looking  with  perfect  dread 
to  what  lay  beyond. 

She  longed  to  flee  away  from  it  all,  and  was 
about  to  leave,  when  Mrs.  Malone  grasped  her  hand 
and  in  an  agonized  whisper  begged  her  to  stay, 


A  MISERABLE  DEATH-BED.  151 

and  only  send  for  Mr.  Graham.  It  would  have 
been  heartless  not  to  yield,  so  John  was  dispatched 
with  the  message. 

In  a  short  time  another  coughing  fit  came  on, 
not  as  severe  as  the  last,  but  weakening  still  more 
her  frail  hold  on  life.  Julia  could  not  endure  the 
piteous  appeal  in  her  eyes,  and  in  her  desperate 
straits  recalled  that  beautiful  hymn,  "  Rock  of 
Ages,"  and  in  a  sweet  but  trembling  voice  she 
began  to  sing  the  familiar  words.  She  had  sung 
it  or  heard  it  many  times  before,  with  hardly  a 
thought  of  its  significance,  but  now  it  was  fraught 
with  a  wonderful  meaning  as  the  dying  woman 
hung  upon  every  word.  She  remembered  once 
seeing  a  picture  of  a  large  stone  cross  standing 
firm  in  a  dark,  stormy  ocean,  and  a  half-drowned 
woman  clinging  to  it  with  outstretched  arms.  It 
seemed  now,  that  poor  Mrs.  Malone,  with  the  cold 
waters  of  death  rapidly  rising  around  her,  might 
be  clinging  thus,  if  even  with  a  feeble  grasp.  And 
the  gleam  of  hope  that  passed  over  her  face  as  Julia 
sang  the  last  verses,  seemed,  as  in  the  picture, 
to  radiate  alone  from  the  cross. 


Nothing  in  my  hands  I  bring, 
Simply  to  thy  cross  I  cling  ; 
Naked— come  to  thee  for  dress  ; 
Helpless — look  to  thee  for  grace  ; 
Foul,  I  to  the  fountain  fly, 
Wash  me,  Saviour,  or  I  die. 


152  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

"  While  I  draw  this  fleeting  breath, 
When  my  eyelids  close  in  death, 
When  I  soar  to  worlds  unknown, 
See  thee  on  thy  judgment  throne  : 
Rock  of  Ages,  cleft  for  me, 
Let  me  hide  myself  in  thee." 

"  Oh  !  sing  that  again,"  she  whispered.  Before 
Julia  finished  it  the  second  time,  Graham  arrived. 
She  saw  as  he  entered  that  the  air  was  thick  with 
fast-falling  snow.  Going  softly  to  the  bed,  he  stood 
silent  till  the  close  of  the  hymn.  Mrs.  Malone 
seemed  asleep  then,  and  he  whispered,  "  Is  she 
dying?  " 

"  I  fear  so.  She  wanted  some  one  to  read  and 
pray  with  her,  so  I  sent  for  you." 

"  Poor  woman,  she  wouldn't  listen  to  me  in  the 
past.  It  is  a  sad  time  now  to  prepare  for  eternity. 
Will  you  return,  Miss  Earle?  It  is  beginning  to 
storm  very  hard  ;  I  will  do  what  I  can  here." 

"  I  suppose  I  must  go,"  said  Julia,  trying  to 
withdraw  her  hand  ;  but  the  sick  woman  clung  to 
it  with  a  convulsive  grasp  :  "  Don't  lave  me,  I  want 
that  hymn  agin,"  she  muttered. 

"  But  Mr.  Graham  has  come,  and  he  will  read 
and  pray  with  you." 

"  No,  only  sing.  That  comforts  me.  '  Foul,  I 
to  the  fountain  fly.'  What's  the  rest  ?  I  knowed  it 
when  a  gal." 

"  I    will    not     leave    her,    Mr.     Graham.     You 


A   MISERABLE  DEATH-BED.  153 

may  send   John  home,   but  you  will   please  stay 
too?" 

"  Certainly.  Yet  the  storm  may  increase  so 
much  that  you  will  be  kept  here  all  night." 

"  Never  mind,  I  can't  go  now." 

Soon  the  woman  began  to  suffer  great  distress, 
and  her  breathing  became  very  labored.  Julia 
fanned  her  and  gently  stroked  her  forehead  with  a 
soft,  soothing  touch.  Maurice's  estimate  of  her 
character  changed  very  much,  as  he  watched  her 
gentle  ministrations.  He  drew  near  the  bed 
and  repeated  comforting  texts  from  God's  word, 
then  knelt  down  and  in  simple,  fervent  petitions 
presented  her  needs  to  a  merciful,  long-suffering 
Saviour.  Julia  could  not  tell  whether  she  heard,  or 
had  already  passed  beyond  the  consciousness  of 
earthly  sights  and  sounds.  Her  eyes  were  glassy 
and  fixed,  and  her  face  growing  gray  and  cold. 
Only  the  labored  breathing  told  that  life  was  not 
yet  extinct. 

By  this  time  Mary  had  returned  with  Biddy 
Maguire.  As  they  drew  near  the  bed,  Julia  raised 
a  warning  finger,  as  if  they  could  disturb  the  suf 
ferer. 

"  Ah  !  me  poor  darlin'.  May  God  and  the  blissed 
Vargin  have  marcy  on  her  sowl,"  said  Bridget, 
wiping  her  eyes  with  the  corner  of  her  old  shawl. 

The  storm  without  was  increasing  in  fury.  Fierce 
and  sharp  the  wind  hissed  through  the  leafless 

7* 


154  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

branches,  and  twisted  and  tossed  the  high  tree- 
tops,  whirling  white  icy  splinters  torn  from  them 
with  the  round  snow  pellets,  in  gusts  against  the 
small  windows.  Julia  shuddered,  and  drew  her 
cloak  closer  about  her,  for  the  bitter  blasts  often 
swept  through  the  partly  open  window. 

The  wild  storm  and  mournful  surroundings  acted 
so  strongly  on  her  nerves,  that  she  began  sobbing 
with  a  violence  that  shook  her  frame.  This  caused 
an  outburst  of  grief  from  Malone,  his  little  daugh 
ter,  and  tender-hearted  Bridget,  and  for  a  time  only 
the  sound  of  weeping  broke  the  stillness.  Then 
Graham  sang  "  Rock  of  Ages,"  in  a  low,  yet  dis 
tinct  tone. 

As  the  hymn  progressed,  it  soothed  and  quieted 
them  all.  Mrs.  Malone's  breathing  became  easier, 
and  the  look  of  intense  pain  passed  away.  When 
the  end  really  came,  none  could  tell. 

About  midnight  Graham  made  up  the  fire,  and 
told  Malone  it  was  all  over.  He  and  his  daughter 
needed  all  their  strength,  and  they  had  better  seek 
some  sleep ;  Bridget  would  do  what  was  necessary. 

Then  he  drew  the  old  rocking-chair  to  a  com 
fortable  position,  and  placing  a  sleigh-robe — which 
he  had  kept — upon  it,  told  Julia  that  she  had  bet 
ter  try  there  for  a  little  rest. 

She  urged  him  to  use  it,  saying  that  he  needed 
rest  more,  and  that  she  could  easily  wait  till 
morning  :  but  with  a  gentle  assumption  of  care- 


A    MISERABLE  DEATH-BED.  155 

taking  authority,  he  put  her  in  it,  saying  that  she 
was  not  used  to  watching, 

Tired  out  with  conflicting  feelings  and  her  un 
usual  exertions,  she  soon  fell  asleep.  He  drew  a 
chair  near  the  lamp,  to  read,  but  his  eyes  often 
lifted  and  turned  toward  the  young  girl  sleeping 
so  peacefully,  near  him.  He  thought  she  had 
never  appeared  more  lovely.  With  the  traces  of 
tears  yet  upon  her  face,  there  was  the  tired,  sor 
rowful  look  of  a  little  child ;  and  there  was  the 
same  unconscious  abandonment  as  she  leaned  her 
brown  curls,  with  the  little  fur  cap  still  upon  them, 
against  his  bright,  warm  scarf,  which  he  had  folded 
as  a  pillow. 

At  first,  he  had  believed  her  wholly  careless  and 
absorbed  in  her  own  pleasure,  heedless  how  it 
clashed  with  the  comfort  of  others ;  but  he  now 
saw  that  she  possessed  traits  of  character  which 
would  make  her  an  earnest,  useful  woman,  if  fully 
developed  and  guided  by  Christian  principle.  He 
hoped  the  impression  of  that  sad  death-bed  might 
not  be  forgotten. 

The  storm  seemed  increasing,  and  high  drifts 
were  piling  up  against  the  cottage.  Sometimes 
the  war  of  the  elements  aroused  Julia,  and  she 
started  up,  with  frightened  eyes,  at  her  strange 
surroundings  ;  then,  meeting  Graham's  kind  glance, 
a  realization  of  her  position  returned,  and,  trusting 
to  his  care,  she  again  fell  asleep. 


156  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

Maurice  thought  of  this  night-watch,  in  contrast 
to  the  one  he  had  kept  there  a  few  weeks  before. 
He  remembered  his  bitter,  hopeless  feeling,  when 
he  first  realized  that  he  had  been  the  dupe  of  a 
heartless  coquette.  Now,  his  strongest  feeling  was 
thankfulness  that  he  had  discovered  her  true  char 
acter.  But,  even  yet,  her  rare  beauty  and  the 
sweet  pathos  of  her  voice,  when  she  sang  some  of 
his  favorite  songs,  made  his  pulses  thrill.  When 
once  free  from  the  spell  of  her  fascinating  arts, 
he  knew  her  to  be  utterly  false,  and  this,  more 
than  any  other  cause,  had  taken  him  from  Cedar 
Ridge  at  the  time  of  the  miners'  raid.  He  felt 
that  he  must  see  his  mother,  and  feel  the  benefit 
of  her  pure,  loving  influence  for  a  while,  or  he 
would  lose  all  faith  in  woman.  It  needed  but  a 
short  time  to  remove  the  glamour  of  the  past  few 
weeks,  and  as  he  noted  in  contrast  to  Ada's  fair 
seeming  his  mother's  true  life,  he  learned  anew 
the  value  of  self-forgetting  service. 

But  now  he  turned  his  thoughts  away  from  the 
past,  and  began  wondering  what  destiny  was  in 
store  for  Julia,  and  what  Hunt  meant  by  his 
continued  attentions  when  he  was  sure  Ada  held 
his  heart.  As  he  recalled  all  he  could  of  the  weeks 
since  Julia  came,  the  conviction  gradually  forced 
itself  upon  him  that  Hunt  was  seeking  her  for 
tune  ;  though  why  he  should  have  such  mercenary 
motives,  with  his  reputed  wealth,  Graham  could 


A   MISERABLE  DEATH-BED.  157 

not  understand,  except  that  the  avaricious  are 
never  satisfied.  He  resolved  to  watch,  and  warn 
Julia  if  he  saw  that  she  was  in  danger  of  becoming 
interested.  At  present,  he  believed  her  fully  equal 
to  the  occasion,  and  that  she  was  amusing  herself 
with  the  attention,  while  having  no  deep  interest 
in  any  one. 

At  last  the  storm  spent  itself,  and  the  sun  rose 
clear  over  a  pure  and  peaceful  landscape,  that  did 
not  seem  as  if  it  could  have  felt  the  fierce  conflict 
of  the  long  night.  Julia,  waking  refreshed,  went 
to  the  window  to  look  out,  and  exclaimed  ;  "  Oh  ! 
Mr.  Graham,  did  you  ever  see  anything  more 
beautiful  ?  " 

Maurice  came  beside  her  and  saw  the  trees 
standing  against  the  blue  sky,  every  branch  clothed 
in  ermine,  and  beyond,  the  mountains  perfectly 
dazzling  under  the  bright  sunlight. 

"  Just  look  at  that  glory,  then  the  contrast  in 
here,"  said  Julia. 

"  May  it  not  be  a  faint  type  of  the  glory  and 
purity  of  heaven,  and  the  darkness  of  the  pres 
ent?"  asked  Graham. 

"  Do  you  think  she  is  there  ?"  and  Julia  glanced 
toward  the  motionless  figure,  then  up  to  the  deep 
blue,  from  which  the  storm  had  swept  every  ves- 
tage  of  cloud  or  stain. 

"  I  don't  know,"  said  Graham  sadly.  "  She  was 
poor  and  ignorant,  and  is  now  in  the  hands  of  a 


158  I'ORGLYG    THEIR    OWX  C//.//.V.V. 

merciful  God.  But,  oh  !  Miss  Julia,  let  us  not  wait 
till  the  storm  is  upon  us,  but  plant  our  feet  firmly 
now  on  the  '  Rock  of  Ages/  high  and  safe  above 
the  waves.  I  would  rather  feel  like  David  when  he 
cried,  '  The  Lord  is  my  rock,  my  fortress,  my  sure 
tower,  of  whom  shall  I  be  afraid.'  ' 

Julia  looked  with  a  strange  feeling  of  envy  and 
admiration,  for  his  face  was  full  of  lofty  thought 
and  perfect  rest.  With  a  sigh  she  said,  "  I  wish  I 
felt  so  safe." 

Just  then  John  appeared,  having  with  difficulty 
forced  his  horses  through  the  drifts.  Grace  was 
anxious  about  her  sister,  and  wished  her  to  return 
at  once. 

Julia  stepped  over  to  the  bed,  and  drew  back 
the  sheet.  There  was  a  more  beautiful  expression 
on  the  face  of  the  dead.  Turning  to  Graham  she 
said  :  "  Will  you  allow  me  to  meet  the  expenses 
here ;  and  any  other  needs  the  family  may  have 
now  ?  " 

"  Thank  you,"  replied  Graham,  "  I  will  ascertain 
what  is  necessary.  After  I  have  made  a  few  ar 
rangements  I  will  see  you  safely  home." 

As  they  rode  down  the  mountain  the  sun  shone 
out  warm,  and  the  air  was  unusually  soft.  Julia 
rejoiced  in  the  change,  but  as  Graham  saw  how 
rapidly  the  huge  snow-drifts  were  dissolving,  he 
said  that  he  hoped  it  would  not  continue  long.  A 
freshet  would  be  a  very  serious  matter,  raising  the 


A    MISERABLE  DEATH-BED.  159 

streams  and  river  suddenly  with  all  their  accumula 
tion  of  ice  both  above  and  below  Cedar  Ridge. 

Graham's  fears  in  regard  to  the  freshet  proved 
true.  The  sun  continued  to  shine  with  unusual 
warmth  all  day,  and  the  snow  melted  into  rushing 
mountain  streams,  that  rapidly  forced  their  way  to 
the  river.  While  the  family  at  Cedar  Ridge  were 
still  gathered  round  the  table  that  evening,  a  ser 
vant  ran  in,  forgetting  all  ceremony  in  his  excite 
ment,  and  cried  : 

"  The  ice  is  breaking  up  !  " 

"Oh!  let  us  go  and  see  it,"  exclaimed  Julia. 
"  We  can  have  a  splendid  view  from  the  foot  of 
the  lawn  overhanging  the  cliff.  " 

All  sprang  to  their  feet,  and  wraps  were  quickly 
brought.  In  a  few  moments  they  stood  where 
they  could  look  down  on  a  rushing  torrent  of  water, 
tossing  and  whirling  huge  cakes  of  ice  as  if  they 
were  but  chips  on  its  surface.  The  number  and 
size  kept  constantly  increasing,  till  the  river  seemed 
a  gigantic  glacier,  impelled  onward  with  a  force 
terrific  in  its  power.  The  full  moon  shone  down 
with  a  pallid  light  on  its  glassy  surface,  and  the 
white  spectral  hills  loomed  above  it. 

"Oh!  isn't  it  magnificent!"  exclaimed  Julia. 
"  I  thought  the  snow  landscape  this  morning 
couldn't  be  surpassed,  but  this  exceeds  anything  I 
ever  saw." 

"  It  is  very  fine  for  us,  standing  safe  above  the 


160  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

flood.  But  the  water  is  rising  every  moment,  and 
those  on  the  lowlands  may  all  be  drowned  before 
morning,  if  it  gorges  below  here  and  backs  up  the 
water,"  said  Hunt. 

"  Oh  !  "  exclaimed  Grace  and  Ada.  "  Is  it  pos 
sible  that  can  happen  ?  " 

"  We  ought  to  give  them  warning,  Frank  ;  won't 
you  or  some  one  go  and  tell  them  of  their  danger  ?" 
cried  Julia. 

"They  have  eyes  as  well  as  ourselves,"  said 
Gordon. 

"  Yes,  but  they  can't  see  the  danger  so  well.  " 

"  Graham  has  gone,  probably  with  that  intent, 
Miss  Julia,  so  you  can  rest  easy,  "  said  Hunt. 

"That's  just  like  him,"  thought  Julia.  "  But  I 
don't  believe  these  two  men  would  lift  a  finger 
unless  their  own  necks  were  in  danger." 

She  knew  that  if  any  help  were  wanted,  Maur 
ice  Graham  would  not  stand  aloof.  Their  night 
watch  together  had  made  her  feel  that  he  was  no 
longer  a  stranger,  and  by  this  time  she  had 
formed  a  pretty  true  estimate  of  his  character. 
For  some  reason  she  did  not  feel  as  easy  as  she 
might  in  the  knowledge  that  he  had  gone  to  do 
his  duty,  if  others  failed. 

Her  simple  enjoyment  of  the  grandeur  of  the 
scene  was  now  merged  in  apprehension  of  its  fear 
fully  destructive  power,  for  the  huge  boulders  of 
ice  were  grinding  against  the  abutments  of  the 


A    MISERABLE  DEATH-BED.  161 

carriage  bridge,  over  which  she  had  been  driven  in 
such  mad  speed,  but  a  few  days  before. 

"  Do  you  think  it  will  stand?"  she  asked  Hunt, 
as  they  looked  down  from  the  farthest  edge  of  the 
cliff  on  the  seething  mass  below. 

"  Oh  Julia !  come  away.  You  will  lose  your 
balance  and  fall,"  cried  Grace. 

"  I  won't  let  her,"  said  Hunt.  "  Who  knows 
whether  the  evening  train  has  passed  the  other 
bridge  yet  ?  " 

Frank  Gordon  took  out  his  watch,  and  saw 
by  the  moonlight  that  its  time  was  not  due. 

At  that  instant  a  loud  crash  was  heard.  The 
carriage  bridge  had  given  way,  and  was  crushed 
into  fragments,  and  its  large  beams  tossed  up  in 
air,  pressed  forward  like  gigantic  levers  against 
the  bridge  beyond. 

"Look!"  cried  Julia.  "There  comes  a  train. 
Oh !  will  no  one  stop  them  ?  They  can't  get 
over  in  time." 

All  watched  with  breathless  anxiety,  first  the 
ice  torrent,  then  the  fast-coming  train.  It  was 
a  fearful  race  between  steam  and  water,  which 
would  win,  it  seemed  impossible  to  tell.  But  in  a 
few  moments  that  were  like  hours,  the  train 
reached  the  bridge  and  dashed  across,  while  the 
ice  was  rearing  up  like  a  tremendous  avalanche  to 
fall  upon  it.  Scarcely  had  it  passed,  when  a  man, 
holding  a  red  lantern,  rushed  upon  the  bridge,  to 


1 62  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

give  warning  to  the  passenger-train  following  close 
behind  the  one  that  had  just  crossed. 

Hundreds  of  eyes  from  the  surrounding  banks 
were  by  this  time  following  his  effort.  Julia  and 
Hunt  heard  voices  call  out  below  them,  "  That's 
Graham,  going  to  certain  destruction." 

As  they  caught  the  words,  the  second  crash  came, 
and  a  span  of  the  bridge  he  had  just  passed  fell, 
and  swung  out  into  the  stream.  Would  the  rest 
hold  till  the  bank  was  reached  ?  In  agonized  sus 
pense  they  watched,  for  off  in  the  distance  they 
saw  the  long  passenger-train,  winding  round  the 
curves  of  the  hills.  The  rest  of  the  bridge  seemed 
to  tremble  and  totter  under  the  blows  of  the  jag 
ged  ice-blocks.  But  a  joyous  shout  rang  through 
the  air,  as  Graham  bounded  to  firm  land,  even 
above  the  roar  of  the  grinding  ice,  which  lifted 
the  bridge  and  bore  it  bodily  away.  They  cared 
little  for  that  now.  All  interest  centered  in 
Graham's  power  to  arrest  the  coming  train. 

Julia  was  scarcely  conscious  that  it  was  Hunt's 
arm  that  held  her  firm  in  her  advanced  position. 
It  was  the  man  speeding  forward,  waving  on 
high  the  red  signal  of  danger,  on  whom  all  her 
thoughts  were  concentrated  ;  for  a  hundred  lives 
hung  on  his  speed. 

On  and  on  the  engine  came.  Its  great  fiery  eye 
now  hid  behind  some  sharp  curve,  now  rounding 
the  hills  still  nearer  the  point  of  danger.  It 


A   MISERABLE  DEATH-BED.  163 

seemed  as  if  Graham's  strength  was  failing  and 
that  they  would  never  see  his  light.  At  length, 
however,  he  sprang  high  upon  a  rock  above  the 
last  curve,  waving  his  red  lantern  to  and  fro  over 
the  track. 

"Oh!  there  comes  the  engine!  Will  they 
never  see  him?  "  cried  Julia,  wringing  her  hands 
in  an  agony  of  fear. 

"  My  God  !  they  are  yet  under  full  speed.  Will 
nothing  stop  them?"  exclaimed  Hunt,  even  his 
cold  nature  wrought  up  to  intense  excitement. 
"  There's  only  the  curve  where  he  stands.  Unless 
he  hails  them  there,  they  go  on  to  certain  destruc 
tion." 

The  light  of  the  engine  again  disappears.  All 
hold  their  breath  in  horror  for  the  next  gleam  ;  but 
ere  it  comes  the  whistle  sounds,  "Down  breaks !  " 
and  gradually  the  long  train  moves  more  and  more 
slowly,  till  it  stands  motionless  at  the  very  brink 
of  the  river. 


1 64  FORGING    THEIR  OWN   CHAINS. 


CHAPTER  XL 

A   SCENE   OF  DESOLATION. 

HE  next  morning  when  they  gathered 
for  breakfast,  Julia  glowing  with  enthusi 
asm  met  Maurice  Graham,  and  holding 
out  her  hand,  exclaimed,  "  Mr.  Graham, 
you  are  a  perfect  hero.  Allow  me  to  congratu 
late  you  on  your  wonderful  achievement  last 
night." 

"  Yes,  Graham,  that  was  a  brave  deed.  I 
thought  we  would  never  see  you  again,"  said 
Hunt,  as  they  all  pressed  round  him  with  tributes 
to  his  courage  and  presence  of  mind. 

"  My  long  legs  really  did  me  some  service," 
replied  Graham.  "They  used  to  win  me  many  a 
race  when  a  school-boy.  But  I  never  tried  one 
with  an  ice-gorge  before." 

"Yet  you  won  that  too,"  said  Julia.  "We'll 
have  unlimited  faith  in  your  powers,  hence 
forth." 

"  Locomotive  powers?  "  asked  Graham,  smiling. 

"  Yes  ;  and  in  the  heart  and  brain  that  guided 
them,"  she  replied  in  a  low,  quiet  tone,  as  they 
were  taking  their  seats.  Graham  felt  a  thrill  of 


A    SCENE   OF  DESOLATION.  165 

pleasure ;  for  he  saw  that  her  words  were  not 
flattery ;  but  that  she  was  more  truly  in  sym 
pathy  with  him  than  any  in  that  circle.  He 
thought,  "  If  she  could  only  learn  the  glory  of 
self-sacrifice,  as  Christ  lived  and  taught  it,  what  a 
noble  life-work,  with  her  character  and  position, ; 
she  might  accomplish  !  " 

"What  is  the  prospect  now  ?"  asked  Grace  as 
she  poured  out  the  fragrant  coffee.  "  Has  most  of 
the  ice  gone  down  ?  " 

"No,  the  worst  is  to  come  yet,"  said  Gordon, 
gloomily.  "  A  man  from  up  the  river  told  our 
coachman  this  morning  that  it  is  jammed  with 
ice  for  twenty  miles  above  us.  There  are  such 
masses  accumulated  that  they  have  literally  driven 
the  water  out,  and  in  many  places  rest  upon  the 
river  bed.  There  is  a  tremendous  gorge  twenty 
feet  high  a  mile  above  us,  and  another  a  few 
miles  below.  If  it  gets  started  again  as  it  did  last 
night,  there's  no  telling  what  will  be  the  result ; 
a  great  destruction  of  property  must  follow.  I'm 
thankful  we  are  so  high  up." 

"  There  have  been  terrible  floods  above  us  ;  some 
poor  families  have  lost  everything  they  had,"  said 
Graham. 

"  Can  nothing  be  done  for  them  ?  "  asked  Grace. 

"  There  ought  to  be  a  purse  made  up  at  once. 
I'll  contribute.  Won't  you,  Mr.  Hunt?"  asked 
Julia. 


1 66  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

"  Our  charities  may  be  needed  nearer  home," 
said  Hunt.  "  I  am  anxious  about  our  own  vil 
lage.  It  lies  so  much  in  the  ravine  between  the 
mountains." 

"  Yes,"  said  Gordon,  "  if  a  jam  occurs  below  and 
sets  the  water  back,  there  will  be  great  danger 
both  for  the  village  and  our  mines.  Graham,  we 
must  secure  an  extra  force  and  make  every  effort 
to  turn  off  the  water." 

"  I'll  do  the  best  I  can,"  he  replied.  "  I  warned 
the  miners  of  their  danger  and  urged  them  to  move 
their  effects  to  those  empty  cottages  on  the  moun 
tain.  We  are  not  the  only  people  in  trouble. 
There  are  some  handsome  places  on  the  banks  a 
little  lower  down  very  much  exposed." 

"  Is  there  any  danger  that  Mr.  Butler's  beautiful 
house  will  be  injured  ?  "  asked  Ada. 

"  If  there  should  come  a  warm  rain,  they  stand 
a  great  chance  of  floating  off  on  an  ice-cake,"  said 
Hunt. 

"  Frank,  we  ought  to  invite  them  here.  I  will 
write  Mrs.  Butler  a  note  for  you  to  leave  there  this 
morning,"  said  Grace. 

"  How  can  we  get  to  town  to-day  ? "  asked 
Gordon. 

"  There  is  a  carriage  bridge  above  still  stand 
ing,"  said  Graham:  "  It  is  so  cold  that  there  is 
little  danger  that  the  gorges  will  move  at  present. 
Indeed  they  are  freezing  into  a  solid  mass.  I  went 


A    SCENE   OF  DESOLATION.  167 

up  to  look  at  those  above  us  this  morning,  and 
I  never  expect  to  see  a  grander  sight,  with  their 
beauty  and  terrible  power  to  injure  and  de 
stroy." 

"  What  are  they  like?  "  asked  Julia. 

"  Did  you  ever  see  the  whirlpool  rapids  at 
Niagara,  just  after  sunrise  ?"  said  Graham. 

"  Never  so  early.     Why  do  you  ask?  " 

"  Because  the  immense  glaciers  which  have 
usurped  the  river  as  far  as  one  can  see,  looked  to 
me  just  as  if  those  rapids  had  been  instantly  con 
gealed.  The  dark  stained  masses  below,  with 
clear  sparkling  points  jutting  up,  were  capped  by 
the  white  foam-like  snow.  And  the  slanting  sun 
beams  broken  into  rainbow  tints,  played  hide  and 
seek  among  the  sides  and  jagged  edges  of  the  ice 
blocks  and  caverns,  as  I  have  often  watched  them 
over  the  restless  surface  of  those  rapids." 

"  Oh  !  let  us  go  and  see  them  this  morning,"  said 
Julia. 

"  I'll  not  go,"  said  Ada.  "  Last  night  was 
enough  for  me  ;  I  don't  enjoy  such  icy  views." 

"  Grace  and  I  are  ready  for  it.  When  can  we 
start?  "  asked  Julia. 

"  I  think  I  could  go  with  you  about  noon,"  re 
plied  Graham.  "  The  best  view  is  from  one  of  the 
hills  above." 

"  Ada,  I  can't  consent  to  your  going,"  said  old 
Mrs.  Gordon.  "  I  had  a  very  bad  night.  These 


1 68  FORGING   THEIR  OWN  CHAINS. 

excitements  are  too  much  for  my  nerves.     I  do 
wish  we  could  have  a  little  peace  and  quiet." 

"  That's  just  what  I  was  seeking  ;  rural  seclu 
sion  after  my  trip.  Do  you  generally  get  up  such 
a  series  of  adventures  for  your  guests,  Frank?" 
asked  Julia. 

"  I  should  hope  not.  But  you  seem  to  have  a 
happy  tact  for  getting  into  them." 

"  Oh  !  I  always  like  to  be  in  the  midst  of  every 
thing  and  know  what  is  going  on." 

"  If  that  is  your  ambition,  the  center  of  one  of 
those  ice  gorges,  when  they  start,  would  be  a  good 
position,"  said  Ada. 

At  twelve  o'clock  they  started.  The  sun  shone 
clearly,  but  a  sharp  north  wind  prevented  its  mak 
ing  any  impression  on  the  ice  or  snow-clad  moun 
tains.  As  they  passed  below  Cedar  Ridge  they  saw 
that  the  river  had  fallen,  and  that  large  cakes  were 
slowly  floating  on  its  surface,  while  a  number  of 
men  with  picks  and  shovels  had  just  forced  a  way 
through  the  rough,  shapeless  ice-blocks  which  had 
been  piled  upon  the  road.  Graham  soon  turned 
up  from  the  river  a  short  distance  toward  the 
mountains,  and  suddenly  came  out  upon  a  hill  over 
looking  the  valley.  There,  save  where  it  was  hid 
den  by  a  few  slight  curves,  they  saw  the  awful  bar 
ricade  stretching  for  miles  up  the  river.  Some  of 
the  blocks  were  four  and  five  feet  through,  solid 
and  clear  as  crystal,  and,  massed  one  upon  another, 


A    SCENE   OF  DESOLATION.  169 

the  play  of  light  from  their  icy  prisms  was  per 
fectly  dazzling. 

They  looked  in  silence  for  some  time,  then  Grace 
said  : 

"  Julia,  what  are  you  thinking  about  ?  You  have 
such  a  horrified  expression  on  your  face." 

"  I  remembered  the  report,"  she  replied,  "  that 
it  was  feared  some  might  have  been  carried  away 
by  the  flood,  and  thinking  of  it  recalled  that  illus 
tration  by  Dore  of  Dante's  '  Inferno  ; '  where  in  the 
last  and  ninth  circle,  those  who  had  betrayed  their 
benefactors  were  doomed  to  perpetual  burial  be 
neath  the  ice,  '  where  the  souls  were  all  whelm'd 
underneath,  transparent,  as  through  glass.'  And 
Lucifer,  '  that  emperor  who  sways  the  realm  of 
sorrow,  at  mid-breast  from  the  ice  stood  forth.'  ' 

"  O  Julia,  how  can  you  recall  such  horrible  things ! 
It  has  spoiled  the  beauty  of  this  scene  for  me. 
Mr.  Graham,  I  hope  your  reflections  are  more 
cheerful." 

"  I  was  thinking  of  a  grander  description." 

"  What  can  be  more  so  than  Dante's  '  Inferno  ? '  ' 
asked  Julia. 

"  God's  voice  answering  Job  out  of  the  whirl 
wind  :  '  Hast  thou  entered  into  the  treasures  of 
snow:  or  hast  thou  seen  the  treasures  of  hail? 
Which  I  have  reserved  against  the  time  of  trouble, 
against  the  day  of  battle  and  war*  Out  of  whose 
womb  came  the  ice ;  and  the  hoary  frost,  who  hath 


1 70  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

gendered  it  ?     The  waters  are  hid  as  with  a  stone 
and  the  face  of  the  deep  is  frozen.'  ' 

For  a  time  no  one  spoke,  then  Julia  said  in  a 
low  voice,  "  Mr.  Graham,  one  of  those  verses  says, 
'  Which  I  have  reserved  against  the  time  of  trouble.' 
Do  you  think  this  was  sent  as  a  special  judg 
ment  ?  " 

"  I  don't  know  that  it  is  ;  any  further  than  that 
God  means  us  to  take  warning  by  such  fearful 
providences.  Christ  told  his  disciples  not  to  think 
that  those  upon  whom  the  tower  of  Siloam  fell  were 
greater  sinners  than  others  ;  but  adds  also  the 
warning,  '  Except  ye  repent,  ye  shall  all  likewise 
perish.'  ' 

"  O  Mr.  Graham,  I  can't  look  at  this  any 
longer,"  said  Grace.  "  I  feel  as  if  it  were  freezing 
me.  Do  let  us  go  home." 

They  turned  and  rode  back  a  silent  party.  Days 
passed  by,  and  the  position  of  the  ice  gorges  re 
mained  much  the  same.  Gloom  and  apprehension 
filled  the  minds  of  the  inhabitants  dwelling  near 
the  river,  except  those  who  became  heedless  of  the 
danger,  from  its  long  delay. 

When  Easter  Sunday  found  the  ice  still  firm,  the 
family  at  Cedar  Ridge  agreed  that  there  was  too 
much  exposure  in  attempting  to  attend  their  own 
church.  So  Hunt  proposed  reading  aloud  to  the 
ladies  to  while  away  the  long  morning.  He  knew 
that  Ada  would  be  obliged  to  give  part  of  her  time 


A    SCEXE   OF  DESOLATION.  171 

to  his  mother,  and  that  the  nursery  would  prove 
most  attractive  to  Grace  ;  thus  he  hoped  to  secure 
a  chance  to  press  his  suit  with  Julia.  He  saw  that 
she  avoided  being  left  alone  with  him,  yet  watched 
all  his  actions  with  the  closest  scrutiny.  He  be 
lieved  that  Sam  Walker  had  said  something  to 
arouse  her  suspicions.  But  he  hoped  that  day  to 
secure  her  confidence,  and  again  his  old  influence. 

Julia  suspected  his  motives,  and  was  not  at  all 
inclined  to  gratify  him.  Therefore,  when  the  rest 
seated  themselves  as  listeners,  she  asked  to  be  ex 
cused  for  a  time,  and  saying  that  she  might  be  de 
tained,  requested  them  to  continue  without  her. 
She  then  slipped  on  her  wraps,  and  stole  quietly 
out  for  a  lonely  walk.  She  was  feeling  very  un 
happy  and,  therefore,  irritable  and  restless.  She 
had  come  there  a  thoughtless  girl,  resolved  on 
having  a  gay  time,  but  everything  had  resulted  so 
differently  from  her  bright  anticipations,  and  one 
alarming  event  had  followed  so  fast  upon  another, 
that  she  could  find  no  rest  or  security  anywhere. 
Conscience  was  thoroughly  aroused,  but  her  will 
also  rose  in  fierce  rebellion  against  God,  whom 
she  accused  of  being  cruel  and  vindictive,  sending 
his  judgments  more  upon  the  innocent  than  the 
guilty. 

In  a  reckless  mood,  she  walked  down  to  the  foot 
of  the  lawn,  to  look  at  the  river.  As  she  neared 
the  arbor  she  saw  Graham  sitting  there,  gazing 


172  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

with  anxious  face  at  the  ice  above  them.  She  was 
about  to  turn  away,  when  he  heard  her  step  and 
said  :  "  Please  come  nearer,  Miss  Earle,  and  tell 
me  what  you  think  of  the  prospect?  " 

"  I  do  not  see  that  the  danger  is  removed.  The 
gorges  are  still  there." 

"What  troubles  me  is  that  many  of  the  miners, 
thinking,  from  the  long  delay,  that  danger  is  over, 
have  returned  to  their  homes,  and  when  the  flood 
comes,  all  may  be  swept  away." 

"  Mr.  Graham,  I  have  been  thinking  that  the  old 
heathen  idea  of  a  blind  justice  in  the  management 
of  this  world,  seems  the  most  correct  one.  Her 
blows  fall  upon  those  who  happen  to  be  under 
them.  Who  have  been,  and  are  most  likely  to  be 
the  chief  sufferers  here,  but  poor  families,  and  in 
nocent  women  and  children  ?  " 

"  Miss  Julia,  there  are  mysteries  in  God's  provi 
dence  I  cannot  hope  to  fathom." 

"  I  don't  believe  in  a  religion  I  cannot  under 
stand!"  replied  Julia,  impatiently. 

"  Can  you  or  I  grasp  the  problem  by  which  the 
astronomer  measures  the  journey  of  light  from 
those  stars,  which  they  tell  us  are  so  remote  that 
they  may  have  been  blotted  from  the  universe, 
yet  their  rays  are  still  traveling  toward  us  ?  How, 
then,  can  we  hope  to  comprehend  God's  infinite 
knowledge  ?  The  ancient  Greeks  believed  in  three 
old  blind  women  spinning  off  the  years  from  their 


A    SCENE   OF  DESOLATION.  173 

fated  distaffs.  '  Stern  Clotho  wove  the  checkered 
thread,  Lachesis  turned  the  spindle,  and  Atropos 
cut  the  fatal  strand.' 

'  Hour  after  hour,  the  growing  line  extends  ; 
The  cradle  and  the  coffin  bound  its  ends,' 

That  was  their  solution  of  your  query." 

"What  is  yours?"  asked  Julia,  eagerly. 

"  Do  you  remember  the  description  in  Ezekiel 
of  the  Cherubim,  with  their  wheels  within 
wheels  ;  their  rings  full  of  eyes,  and  four  living 
creatures  guiding  them,  while  above  all  was  the 
sapphire  throne,  and  the  appearance  of  a  man  upon 
it,  as  the  likeness  of  the  glory  of  the  Lord?  " 

"  No,  I  don't  remember  to  have  read  it,  nor  do 
I  see  what  it  means." 

"  I  was  studying  that  chapter  this  morning,  and 
it  seemed  to  me  one  of  God's  half  revealed  prob 
lems,  that  would  answer  your  question,  could  we 
fully  solve  it." 

"Well,  explain  it,  please." 

"  I  don't  know  that  I  can  ;  but  as  I  have  been 
thinking  it  over,  those  wheels  seem  the  circling 
years ;  not  spun  off  in  a  dizzy  whirl  without  aim 
or  guidance,  but  full  of  eyes  denoting  God's  clear 
insight,  and  guided  by  four  living  creatures,  pos 
sibly  the  great  archangels,  who  stand  nearest  his 
throne ;  while  the  glorious  Lord,  revealed  in  the 
appearance  of  a  man,  directs  and  controls  all.  ' 


174  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

"  Why  do  you  lay  such  emphasis  on  the  appear 
ance  of  a  man  ?  " 

"  Because  the  description  shows  God's  infinite 
power,  yet  that  he  suffers  his  glory  to  be  eclipsed 
in  the  likeness  of  a  man,  who  can  be  touched  with 
a  feeling  of  our  infirmities.  This  would  seem  to 
teach  that  as  the  Redeemer,  he  does  not  limit  our 
existence  from  the  cradle  to  the  coffin,  but  lifts 
us  up  to  a  life  immortal,  and  because  he  lives, 
though  he  wears  our  nature,  we  shall  live  also." 

"  You  say  He  can  be  touched  with  a  feeling  of 
our  infirmities.  Yet  think  of  the  noble  people — 
the  real  Christians  you  know,  and  see  what  bur 
dened,  oppressed  lives  the  majority  lead." 

"  I  know ;  yet  what  makes  the  brave,  victori 
ous  soldier  but  stern  discipline,  by  which  he 
learns  to  conquer  difficulties?  So  must  the  soldier 
of  the  Cross  learn  to  endure  hardness.  He  will 
find,  the  hotter  the  battle,  the  greater  the  victory. 
Are  you  afraid  to  join  that  army,  Miss  Julia  ?  " 

"  I  own  I  don't  want  this  discipline." 

"  It  may  come  whether  you  want  it  or  not.  But 
I  must  go,"  said  Graham  rising. 

"  Where  are  you  going?  " 

"  To  our  little  Sunday-school  at  Ned  Malcome's 
cottage."  • 

"  Oh  '  will  you  take  me  with  you  ?  I  should  like 
to  see  his  blind  mother.  Bessie  Walker  told  me 
about  her." 


A    SCENE   OF  DESOLATION.  1 75 

"  I  shall  be  happy  to  have  you  go.  But  it  is 
a  mile  away." 

"  All  the  better  ;  I  will  enjoy  the  walk  in  this 
bracing  air." 

Graham  called  to  a  servant,  who  was  passing 
near,  and  directed  him  to  tell  Mrs.  Gordon  that 
Miss  Earle  was  going  with  him  to  attend  the 
school  on  the  mountain. 

Then  they  followed  a  narrow  winding  path 
through  clumps  of  evergreens,  till  it  emerged  at 
the  large  entrance  gate,  when  Julia  said,  "  Mr. 
Graham,  I  have  been  wondering  that  you  are  not 
a  clergyman." 

"  Why  ?  Because  I  gave  you  such  a  long  ser 
mon  this  morning?" 

"  No  ;  one  expects  that  on  Sunday,  and  I  sug 
gested  your  theme.  But  haven't  you  mistaken  your 
calling  ?  " 

An  expression  of  pain  passed  over  his  face,  as 
he  stood  for  a  moment,  looking  down  on  the  col 
liery  buildings  below  them.  Then  meeting  her 
eyes  fixed  earnestly  upon  him,  as  if  she  were  try 
ing  to  read  his  thoughts,  he  said  with  a  smile,  "  It 
was  the  dream  of  my  boyhood,  Miss  Julia,  to  be  a 
minister.  I  used  often  to  fancy  my  little  ivy- 
mantled  church,  with  its'  dim  religious  light,'  falling 
through  stained  glass, 

'  Where  were  angels  and  saints  and  martyrs 
Seen  in  its  pictured  panes. 


176  FORGING    THEIR   OWN' CHAINS. 

Those  were  the  visions  of  my  youthful  days.  Down 
there  is  the  reality,"  he  added,  pointing  toward  the 
ungraceful  lines  of  the  black  coal-breaker. 

"  It  is  a  great  contrast,"  said  Julia  in  a  musing 
tone,  "  but  only  the  way  things  practically  work 
in  this  world.  The  black  diamonds  outweigh  the 
saint's  crown." 

"  Don't  misunderstand  me,"  she  added  quickly, 
as  she  met  Graham's  indignant  glance.  "  I  did  not 
mean  that  for  you.  I  am  sure  your  motives  for 
change  were  right  and  noble.  The  whole  testi 
mony  of  your  character  compels  me  to  believe  it." 

"  I  am  glad  if  you  can  say  so,"  he  answered 
quietly.  "  My  father's  death  made  it  necessary 
for  me,  the  eldest  son,  to  choose  another  occupa 
tion.  But  I  believe  earnest  Christians  are  needed 
..in  every  walk  of  life,  and  if  I  can  do  my  duty  where 
I  am,  the  field  will  be  large  enough." 

"  Indeed,  I  am  inclined  to  think  you  will  accom 
plish  more.  It  is  very  unusual  to  find  a  young 
man,  not  a  clergyman,  who  carries  his  religion  into 
every-day  life." 

"  It  is  a  hard  test  to  live  in  the  world,  yet  keep 
one's  self  unspotted  from  its  stain,  Miss  Julia;  I 
know  I  have  often  failed." 

"  Mr.  Hunt  says  that  every  man  has  his  price,  if 
you  only  bid  high  enough,  or  offer  the  right  bribe." 

"  He  might  have  quoted  Judas  and  Arnold  as 
notable  proofs  of  his  argument.  I  acknowledge 


A    SCEKE   OF  DESOLATION.  177 

that  the  world  is  not  yet  rid  of  hypocrites  and 
traitors.  But  I  should  feel  very  sorry  if  I  didn't 
know  some  whose  truth  and  integrity  could  never 
be  bought." 

"  I  think  I  know  some,  too.  But  to  change  the 
subject  slightly,  have  you  any  acquaintance  with 
that  Mr.  Stokes,  who  has  been  visiting  Cedar  Ridge 
so  often  lately  ?  " 

"  No  more  than  you  have,  Miss  Julia.  I  do  not 
like  his  appearance,  but  I  know  nothing  against 
him." 

"  Sam  Walker  said  so  much  to  his  discredit,  that 
I  am  afraid  he  may  involve  Frank  and  Mr.  Hunt 
in  trouble,  as  he  seems  so  mixed  up  with  their 
business.  I  don't  know  that  I  ought  to  talk  to 
you  about  my  fears,  but  I  have  no  one  else  to  con 
sult.  Grace  don't  think  there  is  any  cause  for 
alarm." 

"  He  has  nothing  to  do  with  things  in  which  I 
am  concerned.  But,  as  you  know,  Mr.  Hunt  is 
engaged  in  many  outside  operations.  I  cannot 
vouch  for  his  actions."  And  after  a  slight  pause, 
he  continued  with  considerable  hesitancy,  "  Will 
you  forgive  me,  Miss  Earle,  for  speaking  so  frank 
ly,  if  I  warn  you  against  allowing  yourself  to  feel 
any  strong  interest  in  Mr.  Hunt,  till  you  are  sure 
that  his  character  and  motives  are  such  as  you  can 
fully  trust?  At  present,  I  can  give  no  reason  for 
my  doubts,  yet  they  are  very  strong." 
8* 


178  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

Julia  was  amused  with  the  similarity  of  their 
suspicions,  and  looked  up  with  a  comic  glance,  that 
brought  a  deep  blush  to  her  companion's  face.  Hers 
caught  a  reflection  of  it,  and  turning  away  she 
thanked  him  in  a  low,  embarrassed  voice.  Both 
felt  that  they  had  spoken  impulsively  and  might 
have  misunderstood  the  other  ;  and  so  it  was  a 
relief  when  they  saw  the  cottage  close  at  hand. 


THE   SCHOOL   ON   THE  MOUNTAIN.  179 


CHAPTER  XII. 

THE   SCHOOL  ON  THE    MOUNTAIN. 

RAHAM  was  curious,  and  a  little  anxious, 
as  to  the  manner  in  which  Julia  would 
meet  those  to  whom  he  was  about  to  in 
troduce  her.  He  had  often  been  annoyed 
by  her  rudeness  to  old  Mrs.  Gordon  and  Ada,  and 
he  felt  that  any  superciliousness  manifested  to  the 
Malcomes  would  cause  him  great  mortification ; 
for,  although  in  humble  circumstances,  they  were 
not  lacking  in  true  refinement. 

But  Ned  Malcome  met  them  at  the  door  with 
an  expression  of  glad  surprise,  and,  giving  Julia  a 
warm  greeting,  he  led  her  up  to  his  mother  and 
sister.  Graham  stood,  like  the  children,  charmed 
by  her  frank,  winning  manner,  and  thought  to 
himself,  "  She  is  a  perfect  chameleon,  both  in  looks 
and  actions  ;  one  never  knows  what  to  expect." 

"  Mither,"  said  Ned,  as  Julia  knelt  down  on  a 
little  bench  by  the  old  woman's  side,  "  Here's  Miss 
Earle,  the  young  leddy  who  saved  my  life  from 
the  raiders,  and  watched  all  the  long  nicht  wi'  puir 
Mrs.  Malone.  An'  there's  mony  anither  guid  deed 
she's  done,  of  which  she's  biddin'  me  not  to  be 


180  FORGING   THEIR  OWN  CHAINS. 

tellin'  ye,  '  he  added  with  a  laugh,  as  Julia  earnest 
ly  begged  him  to  stop. 

"  God  bless  ye,  my  leddy.  He  kens  them  a'. 
But  ye'll  not  despise  the  thanks  of  a  puir  auld 
mither,  who  would  hae  been  in  sair  distres  wi'out 
her  bairn." 

"Alas!  Mrs.  Malcome,"  replied  Julia,  with  eyes 
full  of  tears  ;  "  it  is  so  little  I  deserve.  The  good 
deeds  are  very  few  ;  the  thoughtless,  selfish  ones 
so  many." 

"Ah  !  lassie,  that's  jist  the  w'y  o'  us  all.  Your 
voice  sounds  as  sweet  as  the  first  birdies  in 
spring.  Will  ye  lat  me  see  ye  as  the  blind  only 
can?  " 

Julia  took  the  thin,  trembling  fingers  in  her  soft 
white  hand,  and  guided  them  slowly  over  her  face, 
saying,  "  You  see  I  am  not  a  bonnie  bird,  only  wee 
brown  Jennie  Wren  chirping  at  your  feet." 

"  Weel,  weel,  ye'r  a  blithe  little  birdie,  an'  ye 
maun  lat  me  hear  ye  often." 

Julia  was  then  given  a  chair  near  the  stove, 
while  Graham  called  the  school  to  order.  After  a 
little,  as  she  listened  to  the  opening  hymn,  their 
voices  seemed  gradually  to.die  away.  She  thought 
that  she  had  fallen  asleep  in  church,  and  was  dream 
ing  about  those  people,  and  that  she  must  make  an 
effort  to  wake  up  or  she  would  surely  fall.  Then 
came  a  blank  till  she  opened  her  eyes  in  a  strange 
room  where  she  was  lying  on  a  couch,  with  cool 


THE   SCHOOL    ON   THE  MOUNTAIN.  181 

air  blowing  upon  her,  and  Maurice  Graham  in  deep 
anxiety  lending  over  her,  bathing  her  face. 

Starting  up  she  exclaimed,  "  What  has  hap 
pened  ?  I  haven't  done  such  a  foolish  thing  as 
to  faint,  I  hope  ?  " 

Graham  looked  greatly  relieved,  as  he  smilingly 
replied.  "  The  evidence  is  very  much  against  you, 
Miss  Julia  ;  but  do  you  feel  better?  I  cannot  for 
give  myself  for  allowing  you  to  take  such  a  long 
cold  walk." 

"  Really,  Mr.  Graham,  I  never  did  such  a  thing 
before.  I  suppose  it  was  the  cold  ;  then  com 
ing  so  suddenly  into  that  warm  room.  But  I 
will  be  all  right  in  a  few  minutes." 

"Will  you  rest  quietly  here  till  school  is  over? 
I  will  send  for  the  cutter  and  can  then  take  you 
home." 

"  Oh !  I  prefer  to  walk.  I  wouldn't  have  them 
know  of  this  at  Cedar  Ridge  for  anything.  It  will 
frighten  Grace,  and  she  would  not  let  me  go  among 
these  cottages  again,  you  see.'5 

"  I  understand  ;  they  will  learn  nothing  from  me. 
Can't  you  trust  me,  Miss  Julia  ?  " 

Julia's  eyes  fell  before  the  earnest  ones  bent  upon 
her,  for  there  was  more  in  their  expression  than 
their  owner  knew.  But  lifting  her  own  again  sud 
denly  as  she  heard  a  footstep,  she  caught  a  glimpse 
of  Annie  Malcome  standing  gazing  at  Graham  with 
surprise  and  jealousy  painfully  depicted  on  her 


1 82  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

pale  face.  It  was  only  for  a  moment  and  then  she 
came  forward  with  a  warm  drink,  and  gentle  offers 
of  assistance.  Julia  took  the  cup,  and,  thanking 
her  said  that  the  faintness  had  passed  but  her  head 
felt  a  little  unsteady  yet.  She  would  remain  there 
and  try  to  give  no  further  trouble,  if  all  would 
return  to  their  duties  as  usual. 

So,  after  shutting  the  window  and  throwing  a 
shawl  over  her  feet,  Graham  and  Annie,  withdrew 
to  their  classes.  Julia  lay  very  still  listening  to 
the  murmur  of  voices  which  sometimes  swelled 
into  a  hymn,  while  through  her  busy  brain  a  crowd 
of  thoughts  mingled  and  often  painfully  jostled 
each  other. 

It  was  a  relief  when  she  heard  the  ringing  of 
sleigh-bells  at  the  door  and  the  trampling  of  little 
feet,  announcing  that  school  was  over.  She  hastily 
put  on  her  wraps  and  went  to  the  window.  There, 
to  her  surprise,  she  saw  Mr.  Butler  seated  in  his 
sleigh. 

Mention  has  been  made  of  this  gentleman  be 
fore,  but  now  he  shall  be  presented  with  a  fuller 
introduction.  He  represented  one  of  the  best 
families  of  that  region. 

His  father  had  been  an  early  settler,  who  patient 
ly  toiled  on  his  large  farm,  before  they  discovered 
the  richer  harvest  that  lay  below  the  soil.  In  the 
increased  value  of  his  lands  he  had  obtained  his 
wealth,  but  to  a  noble  nature,  trained  and  devel- 


THE   SCHOOL   ON   THE  MOUNTAIN.  183 

oped  by  high  culture  and  travel,  he  owed  still 
more  the  position  he  held  in  the  respect  and  love 
of  the  community.  He  was  now  an  elderly  gen 
tleman,  of  generous  proportions,  both  in  height 
and  breadth  ;  with  gray  hair  and  side  whiskers, 
which  revealed  his  firm  mouth  and  square  chin, 
made  kindly  in  expression  by  the  large  blue  eyes 
that  either  twinkled  with  mirth,  or  glowed  with 
feeling.  His  manner  was  dignified,  but  genial  ; 
and  while  ignoring  the  simplicity  of  his  early  life, 
he  was  an  acknowledged  leader  in  all  modern  im 
provements  and  moral  reforms. 

He  had  become  acquainted  with  Graham  soon 
after  his  arrival  at  Cedar  Ridge,  and  quickly  took 
the  gauge  of  his  character.  A  warm  friendship 
was  now  existing  between  them,  and  that  morning 
he  had  come  seeking  Graham's  aid  to  address  the 
Sunday-school  of  the  leading  church  in  town,  of 
of  which  he  was  the  main  pillar.  He  had  called  at 
Cedar  Ridge,  and  there  learned  from  Grace  that 
he  would  find  Julia  with  Graham.  He  was  very 
glad  to  hear  that,  for  her  bright  piquant  ways 
amused  him,  while  the  knowledge  of  her  conduct 
at  the  miners'  raid  won  his  admiration. 

"  So  !  ho  !  Miss  Julia,"  he  exclaimed,  as  he  gave 
her  hand  a  hearty  shake  ;  "  Graham  has  pressed  you 
too  into  the  good  work." 

"  Oh  no  ;  I  was  only  a  visitor,  and  a  trouble 
some  one  at  that." 


1 84  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

"  I  think  I  can  answer  for  his  bearing  the  trouble. 
What  did  you  do?  Flirt  with  the  boys?  But  come, 
take  a  seat  with  me.  Graham,  you'll  have  to  sit 
opposite  ;  but  you  will  have  the  advantage  of  look 
ing — at  me,  while  we  talk.  Good-bye,  Miss  Annie, 
I  am  coming  to  see  the  mother,  when  I've  more 
time.  Malcome,  I  am  glad  to  hear  that  they  can't 
frighten  you  from  your  post." 

Then  giving  word  to  his  coachman,  the  spirited 
horses  sprang  away,  tossing  light  snow-balls  right 
and  left  as  they  sped  down  the  hill.  Annie  stood 
looking  after  them  with  shaded  eyes,  and  did  not 
notice  a  young  man  who  just  then  drove  up  in  a 
light  cutter,  till  he  said,  in  a  hesitating  voice : 

"  Miss  Malcome,  will  you  go  with  me  to  Ashville 
this  afternoon  ?  There  is  to  be  a  special  service  at 
the  church  there." 

She  turned  aside  her  head,  but  not  quickly 
enough  to  hide  the  tearful  eyes,  as  she  said,  "  No, 
Andrew  ;  but  I  thank  you  for  the  kindness ;  " 
then  added  hastily,  "  I'll  tell  Ned  that  you  are 
here ;  good-bye,"  and  flew  past  him  into  the 
house. 

"  It's  not  kindness,  as  she  well  knows.  Has 
that  saintly  superintendent  been  trifling  with  her  ? 
By  George  !  I  wish  I  knew— or  what  it  is  stands 
in  my  way.  But  I  didn't  come  here  to  see  Ned," 
he  muttered,  and  with  a  very  gloomy  brow  the 
young  man  also  drove  away. 


THE   SCHOOL   ON    THE  MOUNTAIN.  185 

As  Mr.  Butler  and  his  party  left  the  cottage,  he 
explained  to  Graham  the  object  for  which  he  sought 
him.  He  then  turned  to  Julia  and  said,  "  I  am  in 
clined  to  think  we  will  need  you  too.  Mrs.  Butler 
is  feeling  rather  worn  from  confinement  to  the 
house  by  the  long  continued  cold.  Will  you  come 
and  stay  with  us  for  a  little  ?  Your  cheery  company 
is  all  she  needs.  I  think  also  that  you  will  enjoy" 
our  Easter  festival ;  it  is  a  very  pretty  service,  as 
each  class  brings  some  floral  design  with  their  mis 
sion  offerings." 

"  I  should  like  to  go  exceedingly.  But  I  don't 
know  what  Grace  will  say  to  my  running  away 
again." 

"  Oh,  I  have  arranged  all  that,  and  promised  to 
bring  you  back,  and  my  wife  also,  as  soon  as  there 
is  the  least  indication  of  thaw  ;  although  I  do  not 
apprehend  any  danger,  when  the  ice  does  move ; 
we  are  so  much  higher  than  the  bank.  Can  you 
exist  till  to-morrow  without  your  trunk,  or  shall 
we  return  to  Cedar  Ridge  now  ?" 

"  I  am  inclined  to  think  both  you  and  Mr.  Gra 
ham  will  appreciate  a  comfortable  dinner  before 
services,  more  than  any  fine  toilets,  so  I'll  not 
detain  you." 

"  What  a  sensible  girl  she  is !  "  said  the  old  gen 
tleman,  with  a  merry  twinkle  in  his  eyes.  "  She 
knows  our  weak  point,  Graham.  Take  the  road 
through  Ashville,  Jim.  It  will  save  time  and  I  will 


1 86  FORGING    THEIR  OWN   CHAINS. 

show  you  where  I  used  to  live  when  a  boy,  Miss 
Julia." 

They  soon  passed  through  a  straggling  village, 
of  very  small  shabby  houses,  that  looked  as  if 
the  tide  of  progress  had  been  turned  aside  and  left 
them  stranded,  so  little  life  or  activity  was  visible. 
A  short  distance  beyond  was  an  old  farm-house 
that  appeared  still  more  run  down  and  forsaken. 
As  they  came  in  front  of  the  gate,  they  saw  several 
bright,  healthy,  but  poorly-clad  children,  standing 
around  an  old,  faded  woman. 

.Ordering  his  horses  to  pause  a  moment,  he  lifted 
his  hat  and  called  in  his  cheery  voice,  "  I  am  glad  to 
see  you  well  enough  to  be  out,  Mrs.  Fuller.  How's 
the  invalid?" 

The  woman's  pale  face  flushed  slightly  as  she 
answered,  "  A  little  more  comfortable  to-day,  sir." 

"  Ah,  that's  hopeful.  I  see  the  grand-babies  are 
all  hearty." 

"  You  could  hardly  imagine,  Miss  Julia,"  he 
continued  as  they  rode  on,  "  what  a  pretty  lassie 
that  woman  was.  I  was  desperately  in  love  with 
her  before  I  was  out  of  my  teens.  But  I  was  only 
a  youngster,  and  she  chose  Fuller.  It  was  con 
sidered  a  very  good  match  then.  But  somehow 
things  have  never  prospered  with  them.  There 
wasn't  any  coal  found  on  their  land,  and  indeed 
they  did  not  own  much  besides  the  mill.  The 
oldest  daughter  married  unfortunately,  and  has 


THE   SCHOOL   ON   THE  MOUNTAIN.  187 

now  come  home  with  her  children,  a  helpless  in 
valid.  I  would  like  to  do  something  for  them,  for 
the  sake  of  '  auld  lang  syne,'  but  Fuller  is  such  a 
proud,  reserved  man,  that  it  is  very  difficult  to 
approach  him  with  any  such  intent.  Have  you 
heard  anything  about  him  lately,  Graham  ?  " 

"  Only  that  his  place  is  heavily  mortgaged,  and 
that  his  son  Andrew  has  been  trying  to  get  work 
as  engineer  at  the  Rosedale  colliery.  I  offered 
him  a  good  position  at  ours  before  the  strike,  but 
he  refused." 

"  Ah  well,  what  changes  time  makes  !"  said  the 
old  man  with  a  sigh,  as  he  thought  of  his  only 
boy,  lying  wrapped  in  his  country's  flag,  in  the 
lonely  cemetery.  "  Miss  Julia,"  he  added  after  a 
pause,  "  do  you  see  that  old  grist-mill,  with  its 
big  wheel  half  gone  ?  Many  a  time  when  a  boy 
I've  ridden  down  there  with  a  bag  of  grain  for  my 
saddle.  About  a  mile  up  that  creek  was  my  old 
home.  Father  had  a  large  farm  and  a  big  old- 
fashioned  house,  with  the  latch-string  always  out 
side  the  door.  And  the  farmers  from  the  next 
county  generally  used  to  stop  and  rest  there,  on 
their  way  to  Fuller's  mill.  John  Fuller's  father 
did  a  large  business  then.  Traveling  wasn't 
always  very  safe  among  these  mountains,  when  one 
was  suspected  of  carrying  a  little  extra  money.  I 
can  tell  you,  Graham,  we  saw  some  pretty  lively 
times.  When  I  look  back  to  that  past,  it  seems 


1 88  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

hardly  possible    that  seventy  years    should    have 
brought  such  changes." 

Not  among  the  least  of  these  was  the  elegant 
mansion  on  the  banks  of  the  river,  where  their 
horses  soon  brought  them. 

Mrs.  Butler  met  them  at  the  door  with  a  cordial 
welcome.  She  was  small  and  slight,  with  a  gentle, 
refined  face,  shaded  by  soft  gray  curls.  It  needed 
but  a  glance  to  detect  the  tender  love  and  true 
sympathy  that  existed  between  them,  as  Mr.  But 
ler  pressed  a  kiss  on  his  wife's  delicate  cheek  and 
said  in  his  hearty  way,  "  Well,  '  Old  Times,'  I  am 
back  again,  and  brought  some  youngsters  to  cheer 
you  up.  Will  dinner  be  ready  soon  ?  I  call  my 
wife  '  Old  Times,'  Graham,  because  she  is  like 
good  wine,  more  mellow  and  precious  for  the 
keeping." 

"  Now  Jo,  don't  be  foolish.  Maurice  knows  what 
to  expect  from  you,  but  what  will  Miss  Julia 
think?" 

"  I  warrant  you  she's  wondering  if  some  old  fel 
low  will  be  saying  such  sweet  things  to  her,  when 
those  brown  curls  turn  to  silver." 

"  Indeed,  Mr.  Butler,  you  couldn't  have  made 
a  better  guess,"  replied  Julia,  while  her  dancing 
eyes  and  flushed, cheeks  tempted  both  gentlemen 
to  commence  at  once.  But  shaking  his  finger  at 
her,  Mr.  Butler  said,  "  I'm  afraid  you  are  surfeited 
with  those  sweets  already,  and  will  be  spoiled." 


THE   SCHOOL  ON   THE  MOUNTAIN.  189 

"  Turn  sour  do  you  think  ?  No,  no,  Mr.  Butler, 
you  must  allow  for  a  little  fermentation  first," 
called  Julia  laughingly  as  she  ran  up-stairs  to 
smooth  her  hair." 

"  She's  right  there,  Graham.  I  believe  she  too 
will  improve  with  the  keeping.  I'll  give  you  both 
my  blessing," 

"  Thank  you,  it's  a  good  thing  to  have,  but  I 
fancy  you  will  need  to  bestow  it  separately." 

"  Well,  well,  we'll  see;  but  dinner  comes   first." 

When  Julia  entered  the  Church  of  St.  Thomas, 
that  afternoon,  it  seemed  to  her  almost  a  perfect 
realization  of  Graham's  early  day-dreams.  It  was 
the  children's  Easter  festival,  and  as  they  occupied 
the  body  of  the  church,  she  was  not  sorry  to  find 
a  little  nook  behind  one  of  the  large  pillars,  where 
she  could,  with  a  little  movement,  command  a 
view  of  the  whole  building..  The  font  was  filled 
with  pure  white  lilies,  whose  long  petals  swayed 
like  golden  censers,  breathing  sweet  perfume. 

At  first,  the  organ's  deep  tones  rolled  out  in 
grand,  swelling  chords,  then  changed  to  soft  rip 
pling  notes,  on  which  children's  voices  rose  in  their 
Easter  anthem,  ringing  with  as  joyous  a  burst  of 
melody  as  the  loud  hosannas  by  which  other  chil 
dren,  eighteen  hundred  years  ago,  welcomed  their 
Messiah. 

Julia  wondered  greatly,  not  without  certain  ner 
vous  apprehensions,  how  Graham  would  appear 


190  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

before  that  large  audience.  But  he  stepped  in 
front  of  the  chancel  with  as  much  quiet  self-pos 
session  as  when  he  addressed  his  little  school  on 
the  mountain  ;  only  his  voice  was  raised  so  that 
its  full,  deep  tones  reached  every  ear.  It  was  evi 
dent  that  his  thoughts  were  wholly  engrossed  with 
the  subject  he  had  to  present. 

Briefly,  but  graphically,  he  touched  on  the  great 
self-sacrifice  of  Christ,  and  its  triumphant  achieve 
ment  which  that  day  commemorated.  Then  he 
gave  noble  instances  of  those  who  had  walked 
closest  in  their  Master's  footsteps,  devoting  their 
lives  also  to  the  welfare  of  others  ;  and  he  showed 
how  much  greater  was  the  honor  accorded  them  in 
this  world— if  not  in  their  own  generation,  yet  in 
the  ages  that  followed — than  those  who  sought  only 
unworthy  ambition  or  selfish  pleasure.  And  then, 
in  a  few  strong  sentences,  he  pictured  the  higher 
reward  awaiting  them  when  God's  records  should 
be  revealed. 

Perhaps,  as  he  held  the  attention  of  young  and 
old,  he  alone  had  forgotten  a  more  recent  instance 
of  how  a  young  man  rushed  across  a  tottering 
bridge,  in  the  face  of  almost  certain  death,  to  save 
the  lives  of  a  hundred  strangers.  The  living  ex 
ample  unconsciously  gave  more  power  to  his  argu 
ment  than  all  the  examples  of  the  past. 

As  Julia  bowed  her  head,  in  the  closing  prayer, 
her  heart  also  was  bowed  with  shame,  as  she  thought 


THE   SCHOOL    ON   THE  MOUNTAIN.  191 

to  how  little  purpose  her  life  had  been  spent  hith 
erto. 

When  they  gathered  in  Mr.  Butler's  cosy  par 
lor  after  tea,  the  old  gentleman  walked  to  the 
piano,  and  opening  it  said  :  "  Come,«Graham,  now 
you  must  sing  for  us  ;  Miss  Julia  will  accompany 
you,  while  wife  and  I  play  '  Darby  and  Joan/  in  the 
chimney  corner.  Please  begin  with  '  Don't  be  Sor 
rowful,  Darling  ;'  that's  her  favorite.  I  know  Miss 
Julia  will  help  you  in  the  chorus." 

"I'll  do  my  best  on  the  alto;  but  I'm  not  a 
skilled  musician,  like  Miss  Ada.  I  may  be  no  help," 
said  Julia. 

"Pshaw!  I  don't  want  any  operatic  flourishes. 
Give  us  something  from  the  heart,  no  matter 
about  the  understanding,"  said  the  old  man, 
impatiently. 

But  it  was  proved  that  they  possessed  consider 
able  understanding,  though  perhaps  not  of  the 
highest  order.  They  chose  their  favorites,  first 
one,  then  the  other,  till  Julia  and  Graham  became 
so  interested  in  harmonizing  their  voices  in  the 
various  hymns,  that  they  did  not  notice  the  silence 
of  their  audience,  till,  pausing  to  ask  a  question, 
they  saw  that  the  old  couple  had  fallen  asleep, 
with  their  hands  clasped  and  faces  turned  toward 
each  other  in  a  smile  of  perfect  content. 

"  Isn't  that  a  pretty  tableau  ?  "  said  Julia,  as  her 
eyes  met  Graham's,  and  then,  for  some  unaccount- 


192  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

able  reason,  sought  the  floor,  while  a  deeper  color 
dyed  her  cheeks,  as  he  replied  : 

"  Yes,  those  two  come  the  nearest  to  my  idea  of 
what  God  meant  by  the  marriage  tie  when  he 
placed  Adam  a/id  Eve  in  the  Garden  of  Eden." 

Then  as  Julia  made  no  response,  he  said,  "  I 
won't  disturb  them  to  say  good-night.  I  ought 
not  to  keep  the  coachman  up  later.  Good-bye," 
he  added,  taking  her  hand.  "  It  will  seem  lonely 
at  Cedar  Ridge  without  you." 

"  What  !  with  Miss  Ada  there  ?"  she  asked,  with 
a  rallying  smile ;  but  was  sorry  she  had  spoken, 
when  she  saw  his  pained,  embarrassed  expression, 
as  he  turned  and  left  her.  She  went  to  the  window 
and  watched  him  drive  away ;  then  sat  down 
quietly  on  the  other  side  of  the  hearth,  where  she* 
fell  into  a  long  reverie. 

As  Graham  rode  home,  he  thought  to  himself, 
"  Is  it  possible  she  believes  that  I  still  care  for 
Miss  Ada?  What  a  fool  I  was  to  be  so  bewitched 
by  her  false  arts.  But  it  was  really  an  ideal  char 
acter  I  loved.  As  I  know  her  now,  all  her  beauty 
cannot  charm  me." 

Then  his  thoughts  reverted  to  the  scene  he  had 
just  left,  and  recalling  his  first  impressions  of 
Julia,  he  accused  himself  of  having  been  very 
harsh  and  unjust  in  his  judgment.  And  as  he 
went  over  the  incidents  of  the  pleasant  day  they 
had  passed  together,  he  thought  she  had  never 


THE    SCHOOL   ON   THE  MOUNTAIN.  193 

appeared  to  greater  advantage,  and  rejoiced  in  the 
good  influences  which  were  now  surrounding  her, 
developing  all  that  was  noblest  in  her  character. 
Had  any  one  suggested  that  he  was  becoming  too 
strongly  interested  in  that  development  for  his 
own  safety,  he  would  have  scouted  the  idea.  It 
was  only  the  love  of  benevolence.  Anything 
more  personal  with  him  was  a  thing  of  the  past. 
So  he  took  pleasure  in  devising  plans  by  which  he 
might  help  her  up  still  higher.  He  little  imagined 
as  he  saw  a  faint  light  gleaming  from  Ned  Mal- 
come's  cottage,  that  Annie  was  kneeling  by  her 
bed,  in  an  agony  of  prayer,  for  strength  to  over 
come  a  love  for  him  that  she  acknowledged  in 
bitter  humiliation  had  come  to  her  unsolicited. 


194  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

THE  WOLF  AT  THE  DOOR. 

UNT  entered  the  private  office  of  the 
Oquago  Bank  on  Monday  morning  in  no 
good  humor.  Julia's  conduct  the  day 
before  had  annoyed  and  perplexed  him. 
He  was  not  a  man  to  be  thwarted,  and  the  more 
opposition  he  received,  the  more  determined  he 
became  to  gain  his  point.  If  Julia  had  been  par 
ticularly  anxious  to  win  him,  she  could  not  have 
taken  a  surer  method  than  the  uncertainty  with 
which  her  manner  impressed  him.  He  was  also 
vexed  that  she  should  have  gone  to  Mr.  Butler's 
at  that  time,  and  especially  with  Graham.  He  had 
hardly  a  thought  of  serious  rivalry  there.  He  had 
indeed  discovered  that  Ada  could  no  longer  charm 
Graham,  and  he  did  not  doubt  that  the  heiress's 
wealth  would  prove  equally  attractive  to  the  poor 
young  man.  Yet  he  did  not  believe  Julia  could 
make  such  a  foolish  choice,  when  he  stood  in  front 
of  his  mirror  and  compared  Graham's  plain  appear 
ance  with  his  elegant  proportions. 

Business,    however,   claimed    attention,    and    he 


THE    WOLF  AT   THE  DOOR.  195 

laid  aside  these  thoughts  as  he  took  up  his  pile  of 
morning  letters.  The  first  he  opened  was  from  a 
firm  in  Western  New  York,  who  had  written  to 
him  several  weeks  before,  making  inquiries  as  to 
whether  there  was  a  good  site  with  water  privi 
leges,  for  a  planing-mill  in  that  vicinity.  He  had 
replied,  that  he  knew  of  a  place  he  thought  would 
suit  them,  and  briefly  stated  its  facilities  and  price  ; 
but  urged  them  to  wait  till  spring  fairly  opened, 
and  the  ice  was  removed,  before  coming  to  in 
spect  the  property.  The  letter  he  now  held 
informed  him  that  one  of  the  partners  would  be 
there  by  the  first  of  May,  ready  to  pay  cash  down, 
should  everything  prove  satisfactory. 

"Yes,  yes,"  he  muttered,  "I'll  make  it  satisfac 
tory.  But  I've  got  to  move  promptly  now.  It's 
too  good  a  chance  to  lose." 

The  next  letter  was  not  so  pleasant.  It  was 
from  Stokes,  written  at  the  Astor  House,  New 
York,  saying,  that  their  stock,  from  which  they 
hoped  so  much,  had  taken  a  wrong  turn.  Wall 
Street  was  becoming  suspicious,  it  was  but  a  breath 
as  yet,  but  unless  Hunt  could  advance  more  funds 
to  buoy  them  up,  they  would  go  down  with  a  run, 
and  all  be  lost. 

Here  was  a  serious  difficulty.  He  had  already 
put  more  into  this  venture  than  he  could  well  af 
ford,  and  had  borrowed  largely  from  Stokes  and 
the  bank,  giving,  through  Gordon's  signature,  bonds 


196  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

and  mortgages  of  Grace's  property  as  collateral. 
What  should  he  do  now  ?  There  was  no  time  to 
lose.  Delay  might  hazard  everything.  Funds 
must  be  obtained  somehow  from  the  bank.  It 
would  hurt  his  credit  to  go  elsewhere.  There  were 
some  mortgages  that  he  could  foreclose.  Repeated 
warnings  had  been  given,  and  he  had  resolved  to 
take  the  necessary  steps  to  secure  the  property. 
He  might  induce  Gordon  to  give  him  more  aid, 
rather  than  risk  all  now  involved.  He  knew  that 
it  was  a  desperate  game  he  was  playing.  Yet  he 
believed  that  Stokes,  though  a  very  sharp,  unscru 
pulous  man,  had  so  involved  his  own  interests  in 
its  successful  result,  that  he  would  bring  to  it  even 
greater  nerve  and  more  of  the  tricks  of  the  game 
than  Hunt  in  his  position  would  dare  to  venture. 

After  half  an  hour  of  deep  and  anxious  thought, 
he  went  into  the  bank  and  asked  the  cashier  to 
step  to  his  room  for  a  few  moments  ;  then  secur 
ing  the  door,  he  showed  him  Stokes's  letter,  and 
said  that  he  wanted  an  immediate  loan  of  fifty 
thousand  dollars,  placing  before  him  stocks  that 
both  knew  were  worthless,  but  asserting  that  he 
expected  within  a  month  to  be  able  to  fill  those 
envelopes  with  first-class  securities. 

The  cashier  knew  that  the  proceeding  was  dis 
honest.  But  he  owed  his  position  to  Hunt,  and 
he  too  had  been  persuaded  to  invest  his  savings  in 
this  venture.  If  Hunt  lost,  his  all  went  with  it. 


THE    WOLF  AT   THE  DOOR.  197 

He  knew  how  important  it  was  for  Hunt  to  keep 
his  credit  unimpaired.  The  business  community 
about  them  had  implicit  faith  in  it  yet.  The  Di 
rectors  had  just  held  their  meeting.  Before  there 
was  another,  Hunt  assured  him  that  the  whole 
thing  would  be  brought  to  a  successful  issue,  and 
a  clean  record  ready  for  inspection.  The  cashier 
had  often  seen  Hunt  run  full  greater  risks,  and 
come  out  victorious. 

Rapidly  these  thoughts  passed  through  his  mind, 
and  when  Hunt  asked  if  he  were  ready  to  fulfill 
his  request,  he  signified  his  assent,  and  in  an  hour 
or  two  after  Stokes  received  a  dispatch,  authoriz 
ing  him  to  draw  on  a  bank  in  New  York  for  that 
amount. 

This  accomplished,  Hunt  breathed  more  easily, 
and  sat  down  to  write  a  long  letter  to  Stokes,  in 
regard  to  the  management  of  the  stocks.  While 
thus  engaged  there  came  a  tap  at  his  door,  and 
looking  up  he  saw  before  him  the  man  he  had  been 
expecting  all  the  morning. 

"  Good-day,  Mr.  Fuller.  I  hope  you  are  well," 
he  said,  with  his  usual  suavity,  as  he  handed  his 
visitor  a  chair.  But  the  old  man  did  not  accept 
the  seat,  or  return  the  salutation.  As  he  stood  with 
his  eyes  bent  on  the  floor,  he  looked  with  his  spare, 
stooping  form  and  haggard  face,  with  the  gray 
hair  hanging  round  it,  like  one  who  had  been  fight 
ing  a  desperate  battle  with  misfortune,  and  now  felt 


198  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

himself  utterly  crushed  and  defeated.  Hunt 
recognized  the  expression,  and  felt  sure  that  the 
matter  lay  in  his  own  hands. 

"You  received  my  note,  Mr.  Fuller,"  he  said 
again  in  the  same  gentle  tone. 

The  man's  eyes  flashed  for  a  moment,  as  he  re 
plied,  "  Yes,  sir;  and  I've  brought  you  the  interest 
money.  I  know  it  is  over  due,  but  even  this  has 
been  raised  by  such  sacrifices  as  you  can  never 
appreciate.  Surely,  Mr.  Hunt,  you  will  not  press 
to  desperation  an  old  man,  who  is  already  down  ?  " 

"  I  think,  Mr.  Fuller,  I  have  notified  you  several 
times  before,  that  I  needed  the  sum  loaned  you 
on  bond  and  mortgage  for  two  years.  The  time 
expired  several  months  ago,  and  I  see  no  nearer 
prospect  of  its  payment.  Now  I  am  compelled  to 
believe  that  there  is  no  other  way  for  me  to  secure 
my  own,  than  to  take  possession  of  a  property  which 
is  running  down  so  fast  that,  if  brought  to  a  forced 
sale  to-morrow,  it  wouldn't  cover  the  face  of  the 
mortgage." 

John  Fuller  knew  that  this  was  true,  and  cowed 
before  the  smooth  metallic  tones  of  the  man  who 
had  him  in  his  power.  Hitherto,  proud  and  taci 
turn,  he  had  borne  all  the  buffets  of  misfortune 
without  a  moan.  But  now  he  was  overwhelmed 
with  distress.  Large  tears  rolled  down  his  fur 
rowed  cheeks,  and  dropped  on  the  marble  floor, 
while  his  form  swayed  with  emotion,  as  he  pas- 


THE    WOLF  AT  THE  DOOR.  199 

sionately  plead,  for  the  home  of  his  children,  for 
the  only  shelter  of  his  wife  and  helpless  family; 
begging  for  only  one  more  chance,  a  little  longer 
delay  till  times  were  better.  But  the  cold  marble 
at  his  feet,  and  the  desk  against  which  he  leaned, 
could  not  have  been  more  unyielding  and  impas 
sive  than  the  face  before  him.  In  one  of  the  draw 
ers  of  that  desk  lay  the  mortgage  which  would 
give  Hunt  possession  of  a  property  for  fifteen 
thousand  dollars,  that  he  expected  within  a  month 
thereafter  to  sell  for  thirty.  No,  no  ;  there  was  no 
room  for  compassion,  for  Hunt  had  sore  need  of 
the  money. 

So  in  tones  that  were  colder  and  sharper  than 
any  used  before,  he  said,  "  Mr.  Fuller,  you  forget 
yourself.  This  is  no  place  for  driveling  sentiment. 
You  should  have  thought  of  the  consequences  to 
your  family  when  you  took  the  risk.  Business 
is  business,  and  must  be  conducted  on  business 
principles.  By  next  week  the  necessary  steps  will 
be  consummated  and  I  shall  expect  you  to  vacate. 
You  had  received  notice  before,  and  have  no  rea 
son  to  complain.  My  time  is  precious,  good-day, 
sir." 

Fuller  drew  himself  up,  and  dashing  aside  the 
tears,  shook  his  clinched  fist  at  the  elegant  presi 
dent  as  he  hissed  through  his  teeth,  "  May  the 
curse  of  the  widow  and  the  fatherless  rest  upon 
you.  And  as  you  have  driven  me  to  despair,  may 


200  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

the  fiends  of  misfortune  and  disaster  pursue  you  to 
the  same  bitter  end." 

But,  with  a  courteous  bow  and  a  mocking  smile, 
Hunt  held  the  door  open,  for  his  visitor  to  pass 
out;  and  as  he  shut  it,  muttered,  "  Does  he  hope 
to  frighten  such  an  old  bird  as  I  with  such  scare 
crows?  I  wonder  how  Walker  will  take  my  sum 
mons  to  yield  up  his  store.  Probably  his  brother 
Sam  will  come  to  the  rescue,  with  some  of  the 
Trade  Union  funds,  and  I'll  get  back  a  little 
they've  been  cheating  me  out  of  for  the  last  few 
months." 

Then  Hunt  fell  to  work,  and  rapidly  dispatched 
the  large  mass  of  correspondence  lying  before  him. 

John  Fuller  went  out  into  the  crisp  air  like  one 
who  had  received  a  blow,  and  was  yet  dizzy  and 
bewildered  from  the  fall.  He  wandered  through 
the  streets,  not  knowing  whither,  till  he  found  him 
self  out  of  town,  on  the  banks  of  the  river,  close 
by  the  mansion  of  Mr.  Butler,  the  Joe  Butler  of  his 
boyhood.  He  stopped  and  sat  down  on  a  cake  of 
ice  thrown  upon  the  bank,  and  said  slowly  to  him 
self.  i(  I  believe  that  man  could  and  would  help 
me.  I  wronged  him  years  ago,  when  I  stepped  in 
between  him  and  the  girl  he  loved.  Poor  Mary, 
she  little  dreamed  what  a  bad  choice  she  made  then. 
I  have  shunned  him  ever  since,  and  been  angry  and 
bitter  to  think  he  had  all  the  good  luck,  and  I— 
just  one  blow  after  another.  But  I  believe  he's  a 


THE    WOLF  AT   THE   DOOR.  2OI 

good  man.  There's  nowhere  else  to  look  for  aid. 
For  the  sake  of  the  poor  woman  and  helpless  babes 
I'll  pocket  my  pride  and  beg  him,  even  on  my 
bended  knees  if  need  be,  to  rescue  me  from  the 
clutches  of  that  merciless  wolf." 

Then,  springing  up,  he  sought  the  house,  ere  his 
resolution  should  fail.  When  the  servant  answered 
his  summons,  he  could  hardly  control  his  voice  to 
ask  if  Mr.  Butler  was  at  home. 

"  No,"  replied  the  maid  ;  "  he  went  to  New  York 
this  morning." 

"  How  soon  will  he  be  back  ?  " 

"  Probably  not  before  Saturday  ;  what  name  shall 
I  say  ?  " 

"John  Fuller.  But  it's  no  matter;"  and,  pale 
as  death,  he  tottered  down  the  steps.  The  girl 
thought  at  first  that  he  was  sick,  then,  noting  his 
shabby  dress  and  unsteady  walk,  concluded  that 
he  was  a  drunken  man,  coming  to  beg  for  money. 
She  had  never  seen  him  before,  and  soon  dismissed 
him  from  her  thoughts. 

"  I  might  have  known  that  there  wasn't  a  chance. 
It's  just  my  luck,"  he  moaned  to  himself  as  he 
slowly  moved  off.  "  It's  all  up  now  ;  I've  no  hope 
left.  The  sooner  I'm  out  of  the  way,  the  better. 
Andrew  has  got  work  at  last ;  he'll  take  care  of 
them  somehow.  He's  a  good  boy,  and  he  may 
have  better  luck  elsewhere ;  but  if  you  root  up  an 
old  tree  it  must  just  die." 
9* 


202  FORGING  THEIR  OWN  CHAINS. 

Then  he  walked  by  the  side  of  the  river,  choked 
by  the  immense  accumulation  of  ice,  often  black 
with  the  debris  it  had  gathered  in  its  course;  and 
looked  into  deep  chasms,  overhung  by  huge  glit 
tering  blocks  which  seemed  just  ready  to  crash 
down,  and  said  to  himself:  "  Poor,  gentle  river, 
you  too  have  been  defeated,  chained,  and  driven 
out  by  the  cold,  relentless  ice.  Another  summer's 
sun  will  give  you  strength  to  break  free,  but  the 
old  man's  strength  is  gone ;  he  would  do  well  to 
creep  into  one  of  those  dark  caverns,  and  hide  for 
ever  from  the  world's  scorn.  But  no,  he  must  see 
them  all ;  kiss  them  all  good-bye,  and  look  on  the 
old  mill  again.  When  the  flood  comes,  the  old 
mill  will  go,  and  the  old  man  with  it.  Their  end 
is  near." 


THE  FLOODS  ARE    UPON   US.  203 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

THE  FLOODS  ARE  UPON  US. 

ARCH,  which  came  in  like  a  roaring  lion, 
with  its  storms  and  bluster,  was  going 
out  like  a  lamb,  and  on  its  last  day  a 
soft  south  wind  scattered  dark  clouds 
over  the  sky,  loaded  with  heavy  April  showers, 
bringing  in  their  train  the  bright  blossoms  of 
May. 

But  to  the  inhabitants  watching  the  beleaguered 
river,  there  came  a  fearful  apprehension  of  the 
conflict  that  must  precede  that  time,  between  the 
ice  and  pent-up  waters.  And  as  night  closed 
down,  for  miles  on  each  side  of  the  river  rang  the 
cry :  "  The  gorges  are  moving  !  The  floods  are 
upon  us !  " 

Those  whose  houses  were  safe  from  danger 
rushed  to  the  banks  to  watch  the  struggle  ;  others, 
exposed  to  the  flood,  snatched  whichever  of  their 
household  goods  they  valued  most,  and  fled  to  the 
hills  for  refuge.  Wild  excitement,  consternation, 
and  dread  of  what  might  come  in  the  darkness, 
filled  the  minds  of  all.  They  felt  that  they  must 
see  their  danger,  and  large  bonfires  were  kindled 


204  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

on  either  bank,  which  cast  their  lurid  flames  down 
on  the  black  waters,  or  were  reflected  from  glitter 
ing  masses  of  ice,  as  they  tossed  and  rocked  on  the 
swift  current. 

At  the  first  alarm,  Graham  ran  down  to  the 
miners'  village  to  give  the  warning.  Then  remem 
bering  Mrs.  Butler  and  Julia  Earle's  exposed  po 
sition,  with  Mr.  Butler  still  probably  from  home, 
he  rushed  back  to  the  stable,  and  ordering  the 
swiftest  and  most  reliable  horse  to  be  saddled 
immediately,  he  hurried  into  the  house,  and  told 
Grace  his  destination,  assuring  her  that  he  would  do 
all  that  was  possible  to  hel'p  them.  Then  putting 
on  a  rubber  suit,  and  fastening  a  lantern  to  the 
pommel  of  his  saddle,  he  dashed  away,  hoping  to 
reach  the  bridge  before  the  gorges  above  struck 
it.  This  he  succeeded  in  doing,  but  the  crowd 
there  urged  him  to  go  back,  for  the  water,  driven 
from  its  natural  channel,  was  submerging  the  low 
lands  on  the  other  side  to  such  a  depth  that  he 
might  be  drowned. 

These  arguments  were  not  calculated  to  detain 
him,  and  urging  on  his  horse,  he  carefully  threaded 
his  way  between  blocks  of  ice,  and  plashed  through 
the  water  that  covered  the  road  and  fields  all 
around  him,  his  one  prayer,  to  reach  Mr.  Butler's 
ere  it  was  too  late.  So  swift  and  deep  was  the 
current  along  the  highway,  that  he  was  obliged  to 
move  with  great  caution,  and  made  but  slow  pro- 


THE  FLOODS  ARE    UPON   US.  205 

gress.  At  last  he  saw  the  house,  still  safe,  though 
like  Noah's  Ark,  surrounded  by  water  ;  while  the 
lamps  from  its  upper  windows  threw  a  long  path 
way  of  light  across  the  stray  river's  restless  sur 
face. 

As  he  drew  near  he  gave  a  loud  call.  A  window 
was  instantly  raised,  and  Julia's  voice  returned  him 
a  glad  welcome.  He  found  the  water  around  the 
dwelling  not  yet  very  deep.  Julia  told  him  it  had 
filled  the  cellar,  and  risen  two  feet  above  the  first 
floor.  They  had  removed  all  that  was  valuable 
higher  up,  and  as  the  foundations  were  strong,  and 
the  land  fell  off  all  around  them,  she  did  not  think 
that  there  was  much  danger.  But  Mrs.  Butler  was 
greatly  alarmed.  It  would  be  such  a  comfort  to 
have  him  with  them. 

He  replied  that  as  soon  as  he  could  take  care  of 
his  horse,  he  would  be  there,  not  to  leave  them  till 
all  risk  was  past.  Julia  held  a  lamp  to  light  his 
way,  and  watched  with  intense  interest  his  progress 
to  and  from  the  barn.  Once  she  gave  a  cry  of 
alarm,  as,  coming  back  on  foot,  in  his  effort  to 
dodge  a  boulder  of  ice,  he  almost  lost  his  balance 
as  he  stepped  into  the  gutter  of  the  roadway, 
through  which  the  tide  ran  deep  and  rapid.  He 
was  young  and  vigorous,  however,  with  a  strong 
incentive  to  exertion  before  him,  and  in  a  few 
minutes  he  stood  on  the  steps  of  the  piazza.  But 
he  told  Julia  that  it  would  not  be  safe  to  open  the 


206  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

door,  and  began  climbing  one  of  the  pillars,  hand 
over  hand,  to  the  balcony  window,  where  she  and 
her  friend  stood. 

When  he  reached  a  firm  footing,  Mrs.  Butler 
grasped  both  of  his  hands,  as  she  said  in  a  tremb 
ling  voice  : 

"  God  bless  you  for  coming.  I  feared  we  would 
be  left  to  perish.alone." 

"  Dear  Mrs.  Butler,  I  do  not  think  there  is  greater 
danger  to  be  apprehended  than  a  siege  till  the 
waters  subside.  I  have  examined  outside  the 
house  as  carefully  as  I  could — riding  around  it. 
Now  if  you  .will  give  me  a  lamp,  I  will  see  how 
things  are  below,  and  what  we  can  do  to  keep  out 
the  ice." 

"Julia  has  had  everything  she  could  barricaded 
and  strengthened.  She  has  been  so  brave  and  help 
ful  ;  I  don't  know  what  I  should  have  done,  but  for 
her." 

"  The  lieutenant  must  do  his  duty,  till  the  cap 
tain  comes.  Now  I  am  thankful  to  resign  respon 
sibility,  and  glad  to  sit  down  with  a  relieved  mind," 
said  Julia,  sinking  into  an  easy  chair,  like  one  who 
found  its  rest  very  pleasant. 

"  I  know  by  this  time  what  to  expect  from  Miss 
Julia,"  replied  Graham,  looking  down  on  her  with 
a  bright,  almost  caressing  smile.  "  If  I  am  cap 
tain,  you  must  obey  orders  and  remain  there,  and 
go  to  sleep.  Mrs.  Butler,  you  too  had  better  lie 


THE  FLOODS  ARE    UPON    US.  207 

down  just  as  you  are.  I  will  give  you  warning  if 
new  dangers  arise." 

"  Oh  !  after  you  have  been  around,  come  back 
and  make  your  report/'  said  Julia. 

"  Yes,  Mr.  Graham,  please  stay  with  us,  we  are 
too  anxious  to  sleep." 

After  promising  to  return,  he  made  a  careful  in 
spection  of  the  whole  house,  and  secured  with  the 
man-servant's  help,  articles  still  left  that  might  be 
injured,  from  all  danger,  if  the  water  did  not  rise 
above  the  first-floor.  This  he  did  not  apprehend 
unless  the  flood  increased  greatly  as  the  gorges 
came  down. 

While  he  was  working  below-stairs,  Julia  also 
was  busy,  directing  the  maids  to  kindle  a  bright  fire 
in  the  grate,  and  helping  to  spread  the  table  with 
a  substantial  lunch.  When  at  last  Graham  laid 
aside  his  waterproof  garments,  and  in  his  usual 
home  dress  presented  himself  before  the  ladies,  a 
delicious  aroma  of  hot  coffee  met  him  on  the 
threshold. 

"  Really  this  is  charming  !  "  he  exclaimed,  as  he 
came  up  in  front  of  the  glowing  hearth.  "  I  could 
hardly  hope  for  such  a  happy  termination  to  my 
trip,  when  I  crossed  the  bridge  and  saw  a  vast 
sheet  of  water  turned  from  its  course  and  rushing 
wildly  over  the  country.  I  thought  then  how  it 
must  have  seemed  in  the  days  of  Noah,  when  the 
flood  came,  and  covered  the  face  of  the  earth." 


208  FORGING    THEIR   0  WN.  CHAINS. 

"  Do  you  think  our  ark  will  carry  us  safely 
through?"  asked  Mrs.  Butler,  with  a  slight  trem 
ble  yet  in  her  voice. 

"  Yes,  Mrs.  Butler,  I  am  almost  sure  you  have 
seen  the  worst.  But  I  will  keep  a  close  watch. 
And  Jim,  your  coachman,  is  now  on  the  stairs  to. 
see  whether  the  waters  rise  or  fall.  He  will  give 
us  warning  if  there's  cause  for  alarm.  Miss  Julia, 
I  don't  believe  the  cup  that  Hebe  offered  Jupiter 
was  more  delicious  than  this  coffee." 

"  I  think  Julia  does  make  a  nice  little  Hebe. 
Her  cheeks  are  so  rosy  to  night,"  said  Mrs.  Butler, 
patting  them  softly,  as  she  looked  with  a  mischiev 
ous  smile  from  her  to  Graham. 

The  color  rose  still  brighter,  as  Julia  met  Gra 
ham's  admiring  eyes  ;  but,  with  a  roguish  expres 
sion  that  was  perfectly  bewitching,  she  sprang  up, 
and,  seizing  a  plate  of  cold  chicken,  made  him  a 
profound  bow,  as  she  said,  "  I  profess  to  be  but 
mortal.  Therefore  am  not  sure  how  I  should  ad 
dress  his  majesty.  But  will  the  great  and  mighty 
Jupiter  accept  a  drumstick  or  a  wing  ?  " 

"  Miss  Julia,  I  protest,"  replied  Graham  laugh 
ing,  though  now  it  was  his  turn  for  the  color  to 
rise.  "  You  do  me  injustice.  My  comparison  did 
not  soar  so  high,  but  only  to  the  cup,  that  Hebe 
presented.  Mrs.  Butler  made  the  other  applica 
tion.  I'll  take  a  drumstick,  as  most  appropriate, 
and  give  her  the  wings." 


THE  FLOODS  ARE    UPON   US.  209 

"  There's  one  thing  certain,"  said  the  old  lady, 
half-smiling,  half-tearful,  "  none  of  the  gods  or 
goddesses  of  all  Olympus,  ever  did  a  poor  mortal 
swell  good  service  as  you  two  have  rendered  me. 
I  don't  think  I  ever  heard  your  voice  so  sweet  as 
when  it  greeted  our  ears  to-night,  Maurice." 

"  My  dear  madam,  I  should  have  been  here 
long  before,  if  the  alarm  had  reached  us  sooner," 
answered  Graham  earnestly,  while  his  eyes  acknow 
ledged  the  unspoken  thanks  in  the  young  lady's 
glance  with  even  more  feeling. 

When  supper  was  over,  and  the  maids  had  re 
moved  the  dishes,  Graham  drew  a  sofa  close  to 
the  hearth,  and  placing  the  pillows  in  a  comforta 
ble  position,  with  filial  tenderness  led  Mrs.  Butler 
to  it,  and  said,  "  It  is  hardly  safe  to  go  to  bed  to 
night,  as  we  do  not  know  what  may  happen  before 
morning.  But  you  are  not  strong  enough,  nor  is 
it  necessary  that  you  should  watch.  Please  rest 
here.  I  don't  want  Mr.  Butler  to  find  you  ill, 
when  he  returns." 

"  Oh,  if  he  were  only  here  !  "  she  cried,  giving 
expression  at  last  to  a  wish  that  had  been  echoing 
through  her  heart  all  night. 

"Yes,  indeed,  we  only  need  him  to  make  our 
circle  complete,"  replied  Graham.  "  But  he  at 
least  is  safe  from  danger  ;  and  I  trust  when  news 
of  the  flood  reaches  him,  he  will  have  no  difficulty 
in  returning  home." 


210  FORGING    THEIR  OWN  CHAINS. 

"  We  are  all  safe  in  God's  hand.  That's  my 
greatest  comfort."  Then  with  a  quick  impulse,  she 
threw  her  arms  around  Graham's  neck,  and  drawing 
down  his  cheek  to  her  lips,  said,  "  You'll  let  me 
give  you  a  mother's  kiss,  when  you  remember  how 
often  her  heart  aches  for'  her  own  boy's  caresses." 

Forgetting  all  but  the  lonely,  bereaved  mother, 
Graham  knelt  by  her  side,  and  with  a  soft  touch, 
smoothed  her  gray  curls,  as  he  whispered  :  "  Dear 
Mrs.  Butler,  you  gave  your  best  treasure  to  your 
country ;  I  am  not  worthy  to  stand  in  his  place, 
but  if  the  tenderest  love  and  respect  can  comfort 
or  serve  you,  don't  hesitate  to  claim  it." 

"  I  believe  you,  Maurice.  I  have  longed  so  often 
for  your  sympathy,  and  you  always  remind  me  of 
our  noble  Will.  Now  my  heart  adopts  you."  Then 
she  tyrned  her  face  to  the  wall,  and  tears  relieved 
her  overwrought  feelings.  When  Maurice  rose  to 
his  feet,  they  were  alone,  Julia,  with  innate  deli 
cacy,  having  quietly  passed  to  another  room. 
Brushing  the  moisture  from  his  own  eyes,  he  went 
out  to  examine  if  all  was  yet  safe.  The  water 
remained  the  same  on  the  first  floor,  but  as  he 
stepped  on  the  veranda,  he  could  hear  the  rush  of 
the  current  on  each  side  of  them,  as  cakes  of  ice, 
parts  of  fences  and  broken  trees  clashed  against 
each  other.  The  night  was  so  dark  that  he  could  see 
nothing  beyond  what  the  glare  of  the  lantern  made 
visible.  Then,  with  a  long  pole,  he  tried  the  depth 


THE  FLOODS  ARE    UPON  US.  211 

of  the  water  as  far  out  as  possible,  and,  with  un 
speakable  thankfulness,  found  that  it  was  slowly 
falling.  As  he  turned  to  enter  the  house,  a  timid 
voice  at  the  window  asked  : 

"  Mr.  Graham,  may  I  come  out  and  see  how  it 
looks,  too?  " 

"  Give  me  your  hand,  Miss  Julia  ;  it  won't  do  to 
risk  a  fall." 

He  led  her  to  the  balustrade,  then  threw  the 
light  of  his  lantern  far  out  over  the  waste  of  water. 
Julia  first  gazed  down  on  the  large  cakes  of  ice 
that  were  hurrying  by  them,  then  up  to  the  star 
less  sky,  and  off  to  the  intense  darkness  beyond 
the  lantern's  gleam,  and,  with  a  shudder,  uncon 
sciously  drew  nearer  Graham,  as  she  said  ;  "  Isn't 
it  fearful?  Just  think  what  a  night-it  would  have 
been  to  us  if  you  hadn't  come  !  " 

Graham  grasped  her  hand  with  a  firmer  pressure, 
and  the  look  that  met  hers  was  so  deep  and  ten 
der,  that  she  was  startled ;  and,  trembling  like  one 
dizzy  with  the  swift  tide,  she  said,  in  a  low  tone  : 
"  Take  me  in,  please  ;  I  can't  bear  this  any  longer." 

He  led  her  carefully  back,  and  as  soon  as  she 
reached  the  window,  she  sprang  through,  and  flew 
to  her  own  room.  Graham  fastened  everything 
securely,  and  then  held  a  long  consultation  with 
Jim,  as  to  the  ways  and  means,  should  the  siege 
last.  But  mentally  he  shook  himself,  like  one 
waking  from  a  happy  dream,  saying,  "  Maurice 


212  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

Graham,  what  does  this  mean  ?  Why  is  your  heart 
beating  in  such  an  unusual  hurry,  and  why  did 
that  young  lady  fly,  like  a  startled  bird,  to  her 
nest?  It  was  you  who  frightened  her.  Come, 
come,  don't  make  a  fool  of  yourself  again,  but 
remember  your  warning  about  Hunt.  You  may 
be  sincere  enough,  but  she  and  the  world  will  give 
you  credit  for  no  better  motives." 

When  he  returned  to  Mrs.  Butler,  Julia  was 
sitting  on  a  low  stool  by  her  side,  and  looked  up 
with  a  shy  glance,  like  one  half  tempted  to  run  away 
again.  But  Graham  addressed  the  old  lady  in  his 
usual  quiet  manner,  and,  telling  her  the  improved 
condition  of  affairs,  turned  the  conversation  to 
other  topics.  After  a  little,  she  urged  him  to  take 
a  nap,  as  he  must  be  very  tired.  But  with  a  bright 
smile,  he  asked  her  if  she  knew  what  was  the  penalty 
when  a  sentinel  slept  at  his  post.  And  after  a 
little  skillful  talk,  he  drew  Julia  into  a  descrip 
tion  of  her  experiences  abroad.  She  soon  forgot 
her  embarrassment,  and  in  her  perfect  mimicry  of 
the  different  nationalities,  and  account  of  amusing 
and  unusual  scenes,  she  so  charmed  her  listeners 
that  Mrs.  Butler  forgot  her  anxiety,  and  Graham, 
if  not  asleep,  was  certainly  off  his  guard. 

While  the  hours  were  passing  in  peace  and 
pleasure  within  the  upper  rooms  of  Mr.  Butler's 
mansion,  a  very  different  scene  was  witnessed  by 
its  proprietor. 


THE  FLOODS  ARE   UPON   US.  213 

Fearing  from  the  sudden  change  in  the  tempe 
rature  that  there  might  come  a  movement  of  the 
ice,  Mr.  Butler  left  New  York  for  home  Wednes- 
daynoon.  On  their  way,  tidings  of  the  flood 
reached  them,  and  as  they  drew  near  the  river, 
word  came  from  the  conductor  that  they  could 
not  work  through. 

Mr.  Butler's  anxiety  to  reach  home  was  now 
intense,  and  as  this  feeling  was  shared  by  many 
other  passengers,  they  went  to  the  platform,  to 
look  at  the  prospect.  The  night  was  growing 
dark,  but  they  could  see  water  ahead  of  them,  run 
ning  over  the  track  and  carrying  large  cakes  of 
ice.  Then  a  report  came  from  the  engineer,  that 
a  field  of  ice  in  front  was  moving  slowly,  and  head 
ing  right  across  the  track.  Their  only  chance  was 
to  push  through  before  the  main  body  reached  them. 

So  Mr.  Butler  headed  a  party  of  passengers  and 
brakemen,  who  rushed  to  the  front  of  the  engine, 
and  while  they  clung  on  with  one  hand,  with  the 
other  used  poles  and  canes  to  turn  aside  the  boul 
ders  of  ice,  logs  and  fences  borne  on  the  swift  tide 
across  their  path. 

As  men  who  felt  that  their  lives  and  all  they 
held  dearest  was  in  peril,  they  fought  and  felt  their 
way  slowly  through  these  obstacles,  only  to  find 
insurmountable  ones  beyond.  They  reached  the 
next  station  in  safety,  but  there  all  further  progress 
was  abandoned. 


214  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

Mr.  Butler,  by  offering  a  large  reward,  succeeded 
in  obtaining  a  man  J;o  take  him  by  mountain  roads 
to  Cedar  Ridge.  Here  he  had  a  faint  hope  of 
finding  his  wife  and  Julia.  But  although  disap 
pointed  in  this,  he  was  relieved  to  know  that  Gra 
ham  was  with  them.  An  immense  crowd  had 
gathered  on  the  cliffs,  at  the  foot  of  Mr.  Gordon's 
lawn,  where  a  large  bonfire  tinged  both  the  clouds 
and  water  with  a  dull  red  glow,  and  leaped  high 
in  flickering  flames  as  fresh  pine  knots  were 
added. 

Mr.  Butler  pushed  through  to  the  edge  of  the 
cliff,  just  as  the  cry  was  raised,  "  There  comes  the 
upper  gorge  !" 

Looking  up  the  stream  they  saw,  first,  a  mass  of 
loose  ice,  carrying  with  it  lumber  and  driftwood  ; 
then  many  recognized  the  remains  of  Fuller's  old 
mill ;  and  as  it  rushed  by,  John  Fuller's  head  and 
shoulders  were  thrown  up,  bruised  and  ghastly, 
above  the  water. 

"  My  God  !  "  exclaimed  Mr.  Butler  ;  "  there's 
the  old  man  himself.  Can't  he  be  saved  ?  " 

"  No,  no,"  said  a  man  near  him  ;  "  he  was  dead 
before  he  reached  this." 

Butler  turned  quickly,  and  saw  Hunt  stagger 
back  from  the  bank,  with  a  face  almost  as  pale  as 
the  corpse  in  front.  Both  visions  lasted  but  for  a 
moment.  Then  the  great  wall  of  ice  came  plung 
ing  on,  till  it  reached  the  accumulation  below, 


THE  FLOODS  ARE    UPON   US.  215 

when  it  piled  up  in  uncouth  towers  and  pinnacles, 
incessantly  rearing  themselves  up  and  falling  again, 
as  they  crashed  and  ground  against  the  gorge 
below. 


2l6  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS*. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

A  TARDY   LOVER. 

HILE  Julia  Earle  was  giving  Mrs.  Butler 
and  Graham  a  glowing  description  of  her 
sail  down  the  Rhine,  on  a  moonlight 
night  in  August,  there  came  a  sudden 
recall  to  present  surroundings,  a  loud  cracking 
noise,  like  a  distant  cannonade. 

All  sprang  to  their  feet  in  terror,  and  Graham 
rushed  out  on  the  balcony  to  ascertain  the  cause. 
It  was  daylight  now,  and,  looking  up  the  river,  he 
saw  that  the  gorges  had  broken  loose,  and  the  flood 
having  gained  the  full  mastery  was  driving  them 
before  it.  Returning  quickly,  he  said,  "All  the 
ice  is  moving !  Let  us  go  up  on  the  roof.  It  is  a 
grand  sight,  and  if  there  comes  danger  to  us  we 
are  safer  there." 

He  wrapped  Mrs.  Butler  in  a  thick  shawl,  and 
putting  his  arm  around  her,  almost  carried  her  up 
the  next  flight  of  stairs,  while  calling  back  to  Julia, 
"  I  wish  I  could  help  you  too.  Keep  close  behind 
us." 

In  a  few  moments  all  the  family  were  out  on 


A    TARDY  LOVER.  217 

the  roof.  The  house  stood  some  distance  back 
from  the  river.  But  now  they  seemed  in  the 
midst  of  it,  as  they  saw  the  water  full  of  cakes  of 
ice  flowing  all  around  them.  Already  nearly 
abreast  of  them  was  the  immense  mass,  like  a  great 
tidal  wave,  not  of  water  but  crystal  boulders  and 
misshapen  blocks,  rolling,  tumbling,  clashing  against 
each  other,  with  a  noise  like  the  sharp  rattle  of 
musketry  ;  while  the  unseen  current  roared  and 
hissed  up  from  beneath,  as  it  pressed  remorselessly 
forward. 

As  the  great  mass  passed  on,  large  blocks  of  ice 
fell  out,  as  from  the  ranks  of  a  retreating  foe,  and 
were  piled  up  on  either  bank,  and  left  to  waste 
slowly  away. 

On  the  other  side,  a  little  below  them,  was  the 
town,  with  its  inhabitants  also  upon  the  housetops, 
gazing  at  the  same  grand  spectacle. 

"Oh!  look,  Mr.  Graham  !  "  said  Julia,  as  the  ice 
wave  drew  near  the  bridge  between  them  and  the 
town.  "  That  bridge  is  covered  with  people.  It, 
and  they  too,  will  surely  be  carried  away." 

Scarcely  had  she  spoken,  when  like  an  enemy 
making  a  last  charge,  the  gorge  reared  up  in  front 
of  the  piers,  then  fell  with  a  terrific  crash  upon 
them.  But  the  first  violence  of  the  onset  was  gone  ; 
and  crushed,  ground  to  fragments,  the  gorge  was 
pressed  between  the  piers,  scraping  them  only  with 
its  sharp,  jagged  teeth  on  either  side  ;  and  unable 
10 


2l8  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

to  do  more  harm,  it  slowly  staggered  round  the 
bend  of  the  river,  out  of  sight. 

Then  cheer  after  cheer  rang  through  the  air,  a? 
the  imperiled  town  realized  its  safety.  But  old  Mrs. 
Butler  knelt  down  on  the  roof,  and  lifted  her  tear 
ful  eyes  to  heaven.  The  rest  of  the  group  invol 
untarily  joined  her,  while  Graham  offered  fervent 
thanksgivings  for  danger  removed  and  lives 
spared. 

It  was  late  in  the  afternoon,  when  two  weary 
horsemen,  wet  and '  splashed,  reached  the  house. 
So  much  had  the  waters  abated  by  this  time  that 
Graham  met  and  admitted  them  at  the  front  door. 
It  was  Mr.  Butler  and  Hunt,  who,  with  great  diffi 
culty,  had  succeeded  in  forcing  their  way  through 
the  accumulation  of  ice  and  debris  blocking  the 
roads  between  there  and  Cedar  Ridge.  A  servant 
informed  Julia  that  her  brother-in-law  had  arrived 
with  Mr.  Butler,  and  she  rushed  down  stairs  to 
receive  them,  followed  as  rapidly  as  possible  by 
Mrs.  Butler.  The  old  gentleman  had  eyes  for  his 
wife  only,  and  in  the  dimly  lighted  hall  Julia  still 
took  Hunt  for  Gordon ;  and  in  her  impulsive  way 
ran  right  into  his  open  arms,  saying,  "  You  see  I 
am  safe.  Was  Grace  dreadfully  anxious  ?  " 

Hunt  clasped  her  for  a  moment  in  a  close  em 
brace,  as  he  whispered,  "  Dearest  Julia,  I  can't  tell 
you  my  joy  to  find  you  safe,  or  the  terrible  anxiety 
I  have  endured  since  I  knew  of'your  danger." 


A    TARDY  LOVER.  219 

But  instantly  freeing  herself,  she  said  in  a  low 
passionate  tone,  "  How  dare  you  take  such  a 
liberty !  You  knew  I  thought  you  were  Frank." 
And  turning  she  sped  up-stairs,  as  fast  as  she  had 
descended.  Reaching  her  room,  she  fastened  the 
door,  and  with  cheeks  burning  with  shame  and 
anger  began  pacing  the  floor,  and  saying  to  her 
self,  "  Julia  Earle  !  will  you  never  learn  self-control  ? 
You  deserve  to  be  treated  so.  Suppose  it  had 
been  Frank.  Was  there  any  reason  why  you  should 
receive  him  with  such  open  arms?  Precious  little 
either  of  them  risked  while  the  danger  lasted.  And 
now  for  Hunt  to  dare  to  address  me  in  that  fashion, 
and  talk  about  the  anxiety  he  has  endured  in  my 
behalf.  Actions  speak  louder  than  words.  Graham 
risked  his  life  to  come  to  us.  And  to  think  he 
should  have  seen  me  rush  down  into  that  man's 
arms.  I  declare,  I  am  ashamed  to  show  my  face 
again  to-night.  What  scrapes  my  thoughtlessness 
is  always  getting  me  into — but  Mr.  Graham  is  too 
true  a  gentleman  to  take  advantage — except — 
well,  perhaps — on  the  balcony  last  night — I  think 
he  acted  a  little  from  impulse  then  too  ;  "  and  Julia 
sat  down  before  her  fire,  and  went  off  into  a  long 
reverie,  whrch,  to  judge  from  the  frequent  smiles 
that  curved,  her  lips,  was  of  a  pleasanter  nature 
than  her  first  soliloquy. 

But  the  dinner-bell  made  a  sudden  interruption, 
and  rising,    she  went  to  the  glass  to  smooth  her 


220  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

ruffled  plumage,  saying,  as  she  shook  her  finger  at 
the  reflected  image.  "  There's  no  use.  You  have  to 
face  the  situation.  But  now  see  how  circumspect 
you  can  be  for  once." 

On  her  way  to  the  sitting-room  she  encountered 
Hunt,  who  stopped  hen,  and  said,  with  a  manner 
that  was  both  apologetic  and  dignified,  "  Miss 
Julia,  I  suppose  I  ought  to  have  known  that  such 
a  cordial  reception  was  not  for  me.  But  won't 
you  do  me  the  justice  to  believe  that  my  joy  in 
seeing  you  again  overcame  all  other  feelings?  If 
you  knew  what  exertions  I  made  to  get  to  you, 
when  I  became  aware  of  your  danger,  you  would 
not  treat  me  with  such  scorn.  I  was  half  way 
home,  when  news  of  the  floods  above  reached  me. 
I  rode  back  as  fast  as  I  could  to  cross  the  bridge, 
but  was  told  there  that  water  was  running  over  the 
flats  between  here  and  the  bridge,  fifteen  feet  deep. 
No  horse,  even,  could  make  headway  against  it.  I 
returned  home,  hoping  to  find  that  you  and  Mrs. 
Butler,  having  been  earlier  warned  of  the  danger, 
had  come  immediately  to  Cedar  Ridge.  I  was 
relieved  to  know  that  Graham  had  gone  to  your 
assistance,  although  I  can  hardly  tell  you  how 
jealous  I  was,  that  he  should  have  a  privilege  for 
which  I  had  so  anxiously  striven." 

Julia  looked  up  in  his  face,  and  thought,  "  He  is 
really  very  handsome.  I  wish  I  could  put  full 
faith  in  his  professions."  But,  feeling  that  she  had 


A    TARDY  LOVER.  221 

done  him  injustice,  she  held  out  her  hand  with 
more  cordiality  than  she  meant  to  show,  and  said, 
"  I  am  very  much  obliged  to  you,  Mr.  Hunt,  for 
your  effort  to  help  us.  We  were  really  in  no 
danger.  As  for  our  meeting,  my  own  heedless- 
riess  was  as  much  at  fault  as  your  presumption. 
We  will  both  promise  never  to  err  again." 

"  I  can't  do  that,"  replied  Hunt,  laughing,  while 
he  still  held  her  hand  ;  "  I  only  wish  you  would 
give  me  another  chance." 

Mr.  Butler  and  Graham  then  entered  the  hall, 
and  Julia  snatching  her  hand  away,  ran  up  to  wel 
come  the  former  home  again.  Stooping  down  to 
kiss  her  the  old  gentleman  whispered,  "  My  dear, 
you  thanked  the  wrong  man,"  then  added  aloud, 
"  Young  gentleman,  kissing  a  pretty  girl  is  a  privi 
lege  old  fellows  like  me  can  claim,  when  you  may 
only  look  on." 

"  Unless  one  can  secure  a  special  privilege,"  said 
Hunt. 

"Hah!  Have  you  such  a  charter?"  asked  the 
old  man,  eyeing  both  him  and  Julia  suspiciously 
over  his  glasses. 

"  It  wouldn't  be  a  bad  thing  to  hold,"  he  replied, 
meeting  his  glance  with  a  smile  that  baffled  its 
scrutiny. 

But  Julia  exclaimed  with  spirit,  "  I  don't  believe 
in  monopolies  of  any  kind.  Mr.  Butler,  your  wife 
says  that  dinner  is  getting  cold." 


222  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

At  the  table  the  damage  done  by  the  flood  and 
ice  was  the  absorbing  topic,  and  Julia  and  Mrs. 
Butler  fully  realized  how  comfortable  their  position 
had  been,  compared  with  the  narrow  escapes  and 
terrible  sufferings  of  many  of  their  poorer  neigh 
bors. 

"Don't  you  think  this  will  end  the  strike,  and 
make  men,  who  have  lost  so  much,  willing  to  go  to 
work  ?  "  asked  Julia. 

"  It  may  influence  some,  but  not  the  leaders,  I 
fear,"  answered  Graham. 

"  I  saw  Sam  Walker  on  the  train  last  night,  and 
heard  him  boasting  of  their  ability  to  hold  out  as 
long  as  you  can.  I  thought  I  would  tell  you  he 
had  come  back,"  said  Mr.  Butler. 

"Will  you  arrest  him  now?  "  asked  Julia,  turning 
to  Hunt. 

"No,  not  unless  he  commits  more  violence.  I 
am  not  surprised  to  hear  that  he  has  returned," 
answered  Hunt. 

"  Isn't  there  some  compromise  that  could  be 
made,  so  they  might  go  to  work  again  ?  It  is  ter 
rible  to  think  of  the  sufferings  of  their  helpless 
families,"  said  Mrs.  Butler. 

"  The  men  must  yield,  or  we  place  ourselves  at 
the  mercy  of  a  commune  even  more  unreasonable 
than  the  one  so  lately  crushed  in  France.  They 
would  compel  us  to  use  our  property  according  to 
their  dictation.  I  force  no  man  to  work,  neither  will 


A    TARDY  LOVER.  223 

I  allow  them  to  force  me  to  use  my  capital  other 
than  as  I  choose.  If  they  do  not  like  my  terms, 
let  them  find  those  that  will  give  them  better," 
answered  Hunt. 

"  But  they  say  in  New  York,  that  you  coal 
operators  combine  and  raise  the  price  of  coal,  while 
the  miner  gains  no  advantage.  I  must  say,  I  don't 
see  what  redress  the  miner  has  but  in  strikes.  I 
should  be  sorry  to  have  such  men  as  most  of  their 
leaders  are  get  the  upper  hand.  But  as  it  was  in 
France,  so  I  believe  that  here  injustice  has  caused 
this  general  and  persistent  suspension,  though,  no 
doubt,  terrorism  now  holds  the  majority  in  thrall," 
said  Mr.  Butler. 

"  I  believe  that  labor  and  capital  have  each  equal 
rights,"  said  Graham;  "and  as  wages  must  fall 
with  the  market,  by  an  equal  right  they  should  ad 
vance  with  it.  But  to  attempt  to  compel  this,  by 
intimidation  and  violence,  is  a  conspiracy  against 
personal  liberty  which  would  bring  back  the  reign 
of  terror." 

"  Well,  I  don't  know  but  the  labor  question  will 
be  the  irrepressible  conflict,  for  this  generation, 
as  the  agitation  about  slavery  was  in  the  past," 
responded  Mr.  Butler. 

"  Do  you  know  whether  the  flood  did  much 
damage  to  our  village,  or  if  any  lives  were  lost?" 
said  Graham  to  Hunt. 

"  I  have  had  no  chance  to  find  out.     John,  the 


224  FORGING    THEIR  OWN  CHAINS. 

coachman,  said  that  most  of  the  families  had  to  flee 
to  the  mountain,  and  that  the  cottages  there  were 
swarming  last  night,  with  men,  women  and  chil 
dren.  I  have  not  heard  of  any  lives  being  lost." 

"  Except  old  John  Fuller,"  interrupted  Mr. 
Butler.  "  Graham,  you  remember  we  were  speaking 
of  him  Sunday.  His  old  mill  was  carried  away,  and 
he  with  it.  I  can't  understand  how  it  could  have 
happened," 

"  It  is  said  that  he  was  afraid  the  flood  would 
take  it  off,  and  went  down  hoping  to  save  it ; 
which  was  a  very  foolish  thing,"  said  Hunt  care 
lessly.  Then  he  began  describing  to  Julia  the 
appearance  of  the  upper  ice  gorge,  as  it  came  down 
upon  the  lower. 

Mrs.  Butler,  looking  up,  noticed  that  the  waiting- 
maid  seemed  anxious  to  speak,  and  asked,  "  What 
is  it,  Lizzie?  " 

"  Please,   ma'am,  a  man  by  the  name  of  John 
Fuller  called  to  see  Mr.  Butler  the  day  he  wentto 
New  York,  and  was  in  great  distress  because   he 
wasn't  home." 

"  Why  didn't  you  tell  me,  Lizzie  ?  "  asked  Mrs. 
Butler. 

"  Because,  ma'am,  I  had  never  seen  him  here 
before,  and  he  was  dressed  so  shabby,  and  walked 
so  unsteady,  that  I  thought  he  was  drunk  ;  but  now 
I'm  sure  I  was  mistaken,  and  I'm  so  sorry." 

"  John  Fuller  never  drank.     I  am  afraid   he  was 


A    TARDY  LOVER.  225 

in  trouble,  and  I  might  have  helped  him,"  said  Mr. 
Butler;  and  he  cast  a  keen  glance  at  Hunt,  as 
memory  recalled  the  glimpse  he  caught  of  Hunt's 
face,  as  Fuller's  corpse  passed  them.  He  did  not 
know  to  whom  Fuller  had  mortgaged  his  property, 
but  now  he  had  strong  suspicions,  and  as  he  had 
always  felt  that  Hunt  would  be  very  merciless  to 
any  one  in  his  power,  he  resolved  as  soon  as  pos 
sible  to  visit  Mrs.  Fuller,  and  render  her  every  assis 
tance  he  could.  Keeping  these  thoughts,  hoAvever, 
to  himself,  he  claimed  the  attention  of  all,  by  a 
graphic  description  of  his  ride  on  the  engine,  and 
battle  with  the  ice  floes. 

Grace  had  sent  an  urgent  invitation  to  Mrs.  But 
ler  to  close  the  house,  and  make  Cedar  Ridge  their 
home,  till  the  weather  was  settled  and  they  could 
repair  damages.  As  the  evening  advanced,  Mrs. 
Butler  noticed  that  her  husband  had  taken  a  heavy 
cold,  and  decided  to  accept  the  offer,  if  he  would 
remain  with  her  free  from  further  exposure  till  it 
was  cured  ;  so  that  night  arrangements  were  made 
for  closing  up,  and  an  adjournment  to  Cedar  Ridge 
on  the  morrow. 

While  Mr.  Butler  went  to  escort  Hunt  to  his 
room,  Julia  and  Graham  were  left  for  a  few  min 
utes  alone.  She  stood  gazing  with  a  very  sober 
face,  into  the  fire,  and  Graham,  coming  up  beside 
her,  said  :  "  Why  so  pensive  to-night,  Miss  Julia  ?  " 

"  O  Mr.  Graham  !  these  fearful  escapes,  and  the 
10* 


226  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

suffering  all  around  me,  frightens  me.  You  know 
that  I  came  here,  a  gay,  thoughtless  girl,  and  all 
these  things  have  fallen  like  a  great  dark  shadow 
over  me.  It  doesn't  seem  as  if  I  ever  could  go  back 
to  the  old,  gay  life  again." 

"Would  you  if  you  could? 

"  Yes.  One  doesn't  like  to  be  unhappy.  You 
see,  I  have  always  been  among  a  crowd  till  now, 
and  have  lived  very  much  like  a  butterfly,  I  sup 
pose  you  think ;  but  at  school,  I  was  the  ring 
leader,  if  there  was  any  fun  or  mischief  afoot ;  and 
while  traveling,  I  enjoyed  each  day  as  it  came 
without  any  thought  of  the  morrow.  Now  I  want 
to  go  back  to  that  old  pleasure  in  everything,  and 
yet  I  don't  believe  I  can." 

"  Don't  you  think  you  can  find  something  bet 
ter  now?  "  asked  Graham,  smiling.  "If  I  were  to 
compare  you  to  anything,  it  wouldn't  be  a  butter 
fly,  Miss  Julia." 

"  What  would  it  be  ?  "  she  asked,  looking  up 
eagerly. 

"  Did  you  ever  read  the  story  of  Undine,  and 
how  she  found  her  soul  ?" 

"  Yes.  But  she,  being  a  water  nymph,  could  not 
have  had  it  frightened  into  her  by  floods  and  ice 
gorges.  As  I  remember,  it  came  through  the  love 
of  Knight  Hildebrand." 

Then,  realizing  how  he  might  interpret  her 
thoughtless  speech,  she  blushed  deeply,  and  say- 


A    TARDY  LOVER.  227 

ing  a  hasty  "  good-night,"  sought  refuge  in  her 
room.  There  she  threw  herself  down  on  the  sofa, 
and  burst  into  tears. 

Mrs.  Butler,  who  had  entered  a  few  minutes  be 
fore,  to  see  if  all  was  comfortable,  came  quickly  to 
her  side  and  asked  : 

"  My  poor  child,  what  has  happened  to  grieve 
you  ?  " 

"  Oh,  nothing ;  but  I  don't  know  what  Mr. 
Graham  will  think  of  me,"  she  said,  dashing  away 
her  tears,  and  trying  to  smile. 

"  I  don't  believe  he  has  a  very  bad  opinion  of 
you,"  replied  the  old  lady,  with  a  very  unequivo 
cal  smile  of  her  own  ;  "  but  if  you  wish,  I  can 
inquire." 

"O  Mrs.  Butler!  you  know  I  didn'^fr  mean 
that,"  said  Julia,  while  the  hot  blood  rushed  to 
her  face.  "  I  have  been  saying  and  doing  such 
mortifying  things  all  the  afternoon  and  evening, 
that  I  have  no  patience  with  myself.  I  would  give 
anything  for  your  quiet  poise  of  manner." 

"  My  darling,  with  your  disposition,  you  will 
have  a  hard  struggle  always  to  act  with  self- 
possession.  But  I  believe  your  heart  to  be  so  true 
and  noble,  that  it  will  not  let  you  go  very  far 
astray.  It  was  your  enthusiasm  and  energy,  that 
carried  me  so  comfortably  through  the  anxieties 
of  last  night.  Now  you  are  suffering  the  reaction. 
Sleep  will  banish  these  troubles.  Good-night, 


228  FORGING    THEIR   OWN   CHAINS. 

my  child  ;  I  am  glad  we  have  not  to  part  to-mor 
row." 

The  flood  had  brought  loss  and  suffering  to 
many  families.  But  perhaps  in  no  house  was 
there  more  bitter  sorrow  than  in  the  old  Fuller 
homestead,  the  morning  after  the  final  departure 
of  the  ice.  Mrs.  Fuller  had  spent  an  exceedingly 
anxious  night,  passing  from  one  sick  bed  to 
another,  for  two  of  her  grandchildren  were  pros 
trated  with  fever.  Her  husband  and  son  had  been 
away  all  night,  and  when  Andrew  returned  he 
brought  back  the  terrible  news,  that  his  father 
was  drowned.  And  as  if  the  poor  wife's  cup  of 
sorrow  was  not  overflowing,  her  little  grandson 
ran  in  and  handed  her  a  crumpled  note,  saying, 
"  Grandpa  came  to  me  last  night,  and  told  me  to 
give  you  that  when  I  got  up." 

There  she  read,  that,  driven  by  his  troubles  to 
despair,  he  had  voluntarily  sought  that  death ; 
that  the  threat  which  had  been  hanging  over 
them  so  long  had  now  fallen,  and  that  in  a  few  days 
they  would  have  no  shelter  to  cover  their  heads. 
The  note  dropped  from  her  hand,  and  for  a  time 
she  sat  like  one  stunned ;  then  as  she  slowly 
recovered  her  senses,  she  heard  her  son  muttering 
fierce  curses  as  he  frantically  strode  up  and  down 
the  room.  Lifting  her  eyes  to  a  little  picture  over 
the  mantelpiece,  she  read  the  words,  "  Cast  thy 
burden  upon  the  Lord,  and  He  shall  sustain  thce." 


A    TARDY  LOVER.  22$ 

They  had  helped  her  in  many  a  sore  strait  before. 
Her  lips  moved  a  few  moments  in  silent  prayer, 
then  going  up  to  her  son,  she  said  in  a  tone  of 
calm  authority,  "  Stop,  Andrew.  Such  words  will 
not  help  us.  We  must  pray  God  to  direct  us, 
then  act." 

"  Much  good  has  praying  done !  I  tell  you, 
mother,  God  and  man  are  both  against  us.  I  am 
almost  tempted  to  follow  father's  example,  and  so 
end  the  struggle." 

"  What !  leave  your  mother,  sick  sister,  and 
these  helpless  children,  to  meet  it  alone?  For 
shame,  Andrew!  Your  poor  old  father  was  broken 
down  by  trouble.  His  mind  was  so  shattered  that 
I  don't  believe  he  knew  what  he  was  doing.  He 
thought  only  of  sparing  us  the  extra  burden. 
Alas !  people  never  realize  how  much  heavier  a 
burden  such  a  death  brings." 

"  But,  mother,  what  can  we  do?  It  is  'most  a 
pity  the  flood  hadn't  swept  us  all  off.  I  didn't 
mean  to  tell  you,  but  I  hold  my  present  posi 
tion  at  the  risk  of  my  life.  They  frightened 
the  other  engineer  away,  and  have  twice  warned 
me." 

"  O  my  son !  this  is  terrible.  Is  there  nothing 
else  you  can  do?  " 

"  Nothing  that  would  begin  to  support  us,  and 
beside,  it  is  all  that  I  know  how  to  do  well.  The 
only  thing  I  see  that's  feasible,  is  for  us  to  sell  all 


230  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

we  can,  which  that  cold-blooded  villain  cannot 
claim.  Of  course,  at  a  forced  sale  it  will  be  sac 
rificed  ;  but  we  cannot  help  ourselves.  Then  we 
will  move  to  a  house  close  by  the  colliery,  where 
I  work.  Surrounded  by  others,  I  will  not  be  as 
much  exposed  as  I  am,  taking  this  long  walk  to 
and  from  the  farm." 

"  That's  what  we  will  do  at  once.  You  make 
the  outside  arrangements,  and  I  will  collect  all  we 
can  sell.  Surely  God  will  protect  us,  if  we  do  our 
duty." 

"  I  trust  more  to  my  stout  club  and  pistol." 

"  My  son,  old  Cromwell's  charge  to  his  men 
was,  '  Trust  God,  and  keep  your  powder  dry.' 
He  relied  as  much  on  the  first  as  on  the  last." 

"Well,  I  acknowledge  I  haven't  much  faith. 
Where  is  God's  justice  in  these  repeated  blows? 
Certainly,  mother,  you  do  not  need  such  bitter 
discipline." 

"Andrew,  dear,  perhaps  you  need  the  lesson, 
and  the  stroke  will  be  lifted  when  you  cease  to 
rebel." 

Mrs.  Fuller  then  kissed  him  good-bye,  and 
saw  him  go  out,  possibly  never  to  come  back 
alive. 

That  she  did  not  yield  to  despair  in  this  accumu 
lation  of  grief,  is  only  another  instance  of  woman's 
fortitude  ;  for,  often  where  man  utterly  succumbs 
and  breaks  down,  mind  and  body,  or  rashly  takes 


A    TARDY  LOVER.  231 

his  own  life  to  escape  the  misery  he  has  no  cour 
age  to  meet,  a  true  Christian  woman,  trusting  in 
higher  strength,  rises  up  and  battles  through  the 
difficulty. 


FORGING  THEIR  OWN  CHAINS. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

A    COWARDLY    ATTACK. 

EARLY  a  week  after  the  flood  there  came 
an  afternoon  when  the  swelling  buds  and 
springing  grass  gave  welcome  token  that 
the  long  winter  was  over.  Annie  Mai- 
come,  tempted  by  the  soft  balmy  air,  went  to  visit 
Biddy  Maguire,  at  her  cottage  still  higher  up  the 
mountain. 

Returning  about  five  o'clock  by  a  wood  path, 
she  heard  a  cry  for  help,  out  on  the  road  near  at 
hand.  Pushing  her  way  through  the  bushes,  so 
that  she  could  see  and  not  be  seen,  she  found  that 
four  masked  men  had  made  a  sudden  attack  upon  her 
old  friend  and  lover  Andrew  Fuller,  and  that  he  was 
vainly  trying  to  defend  himself  against  such  fear 
ful  odds.  Flying  back  to  Biddy's  cottage,  she  told 
her  what  she  had  seen.  Bridget  was  just  in  the 
act  of  combing  her  hair,  and  the  great  red  mop 
stood  around  her  head  like  a  lion's  mane.  But 
stopping  for  neither  cap  nor  hood,  she  caught  up 
her  brother's  double-barreled  gun,  which  she  always 
kept  loaded  ;  and  handing  Annie  a  pistol,  also 
loaded,  she  asked,  "  Kin  ye  shoot  ?  " 


A    COWARDLY  ATTACK.  233 

"  Yes,"  said  Annie,  feeling  nerved  for  anything. 

"  Thin  coom ;  for,  be  gorry,  it's  them  cussed 
Molly  Maguires  !  Here,  Towser,  ye  baste,  move 
soft  till  ye  see  yer  inemy  ;  then  let  fly  for  yer  life 
an'  yer  honor." 

Quickly  but  silently  they  went  out,  till  near 
enough  to  mark  the  men.  They  had  thrown  Ful 
ler  down  by  this  time,  and  were  beating  him.  But 
obeying  a  signal  from  Bridget,  the  dog  sprang 
through  the  ticket,  with  a  noise  between  a  howl 
and  a  yell,  while  Bridget  shouted,  "  Fire,"  and  at 
the  same  instant  came  a  discharge  from  both  gun 
and  pistol.  The  men  saw  only  the  smoke,  and  shot 
and  bullets  whistled  uncomfortably  near. 

Not  knowing  how  many  came  to  the  rescue  they 
dropped  their  clubs  and  fled.  Bridget  sent  after 
them  a  parting  shot^as  she  called  to  her  dog,  "  Go 
it,  Towser,  don't  ye  gin  'em  a  bit  of  a  shtart,  the 
mane,  cowardly  varmints,  to  be  fightin'  four  to 
one."  Then  laying  down  her  gun,  she  added, 
"  I'll  waste  no  more  powder  on  ye,  unless  ye  coom 
to  closer  quarters  ;  thin  ye'll  find  Biddy  can  thrash 
ye  wid  her  two  fists." 

Fuller  tried  to  rise,  but  his  leg  was  broken,  and 
he  fell  back,  faint  from  pain  and  exhaustion. 

Annie,  seeing  his  condition,  said  to  Bridget, 
"  What  shall  we  do  ?  He  can't  walk,  and  the  men 
may  return." 

"  Och  !  niver  ye  fear  with  Towser  afther  'em.    If 


234  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

ye'll  hould  the  weapons,  Miss  Annie,  I'll  carry  the 
young  mon  as  aisy  as  a  babby.  We'll  take  him  to 
me  castle  in  the  woods,  and  divil  a  bit  will  they 
know  where  to  find  him.  Me  poor  darlin',"  she 
added,  as  she  lifted  Fuller  in  her  strong  arms,  as  if 
he  were  but  a  feather,  "  if  Biddy  Maguire  hadn't 
been  purty  handy,  ye  wouldn't  a  seed  the  mornin'." 

When  she  reached  her  hut  she  laid  him  tenderly 
down  on  her  bed,  and  turning  to  Annie  said, 
"  Noo  ye  must  see  what's  the  mather  wid  him,  fer 
my  big  hands  are  betherhandlin'  guns  than  broken 
bones.  I'll  be  gettin'  ready  for  the  next  fight. 
Bedad,  an'  it  was  just  the  purtiest  sight  to  see 
thim  four  blaggards  runnin'  from  two  women,  an' 
one  a  Maguire  at  that ;  their  coat-tails  flyin' 
shtrait  behind,  an'  their  false  faces,  which  were  a 
hape  honester  nor  their  own,  droppin'  afther  'em." 

"  But,  Bridget,  I  can't  set  his  leg.  He  must 
have  a  doctor,"  interrupted  Annie. 

"  You  jist  be  quoiet  till  Towser  comes  back  to 
kape  guard.  Thin  I'll  go  fer  yer  brother  Ned,  or 
the  docther,  which  iver  cooms  handiest.  Ah ! 
there's  me  dog.  Good  luck  to  ye,  Towser.  We 
won  the  battle,  didn't  we,  me  jewel?  Talk  of  a 
dog  not  havin'  sinse,  when  they  kin  show  ye  they 
know  a  hape  more  nor  their  bethers.  Noo,  mind 
ye,  kape  all  safe,  till  I'm  afther  coomin'." 

But  first  taking  out  a  bottle,  she  said,  "  Here's 
a  drap  o'  whisky  left.  Yer  give  him  that,  an'  if 


A    CO WARDL Y  ATTACK.  235 

there's  a  wake  shpot  in  him,  it'll  foind  it  quicker 
nor  lightenin'.  I'll  be  back  afore  darruk  wid  the 
docther." 

Then  taking  her  pistol,  she  sallied  forth.  Find 
ing  that  Malcome  had  not  yet  returned  home,  she 
went  on  toward  the  breaker.  As  she  was  passing 
the  large  gate  of  Cedar  Ridge,  she  saw  Maurice 
Graham  who  had  just  entered.  So  in  tones  that 
might  almost  have  reached  the  house,  she  called, 
"  Misther  Graham  !  will  ye  stop  a  bit  ?  " 

He  looked  back  and,  recognizing  her,  waited  till 
she  overtook  him. 

"  Ye'r  jist  the  mon  I  wanted  to  see,  though  I 
were  lookin'  for  Ned  Malcome,  or  the  docther, 
which  iver  coom  first." 

"  Well,  Bridget,  which  of  the  three  will  serve  you 
best?  You  seem  to  have  started  in  a  hurry;  or 
did  you  lose  your  hat  by  the  way  ?  "  asked  Graham, 
laughing  at  her  absurd  appearance. 

"  Faith !  "  she  said,  catching  up  one  of  her  red 
locks.  "  I  forgot  me  hair  intirely.  Yer  see,  sir, 
I  were  jist  a'combin'  of  it,  whin  Miss  Annie  fetched 
me  word  of  the  fight  ;  an'  yer  honor  kin  aisy 
belave,  I  didn't  shtop  for  me  looks,  whin  there  was 
bluid  bein'  shpilt.  But  Towser  an'  meself  went  fer 
'em  jist  as  fasht  as  iver  we  could.  An',  sir,  they 
thought  a  whole  rig'ment  were  afther  'em,  and  rin 
as  from  the  very  ould  boy  himself." 

"  I  don't  wonder,"  said  Graham,  still  laughing  ; 


236  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

"  I  don't  believe  my  courage  would  have  been  proof 
against  such  an  attack.  But  what  do  you  want  of 
the  doctor,  was  any  one  hurt  ?  " 

"  Yis,  Fuller.  I  belave  she  called  him ;  an'  he's 
at  my  castle  noo,  wid  Miss  Annie  an'  Towser  kapin' 
guard.  I  don't  like  to  bodder  ye,  sir,  but  I'm  un- 
aisy  to  lave  him  so  long.  May  be  ye'll  git  the 
docther  fer  me  ?  " 

"  I  think  Dr.  Smith  is  visiting  Mr.  Butler,  at  the 
house  now.  Come  with  me,  and  I  will  find  him 
for  you.  Then  you  can  tell  us  all  that  has  hap 
pened." 

Graham  was  now  seriously  alarmed,  and  wasting 
no  more  words,  he  brought  Bridget  right  into  the 
room  where  the  doctor  and  Mr.  Butler  were  con 
versing  with  the  ladies.  All  started  to  their  feet, 
and  an  involuntary  ripple  of  laughter  passed  around 
the  circle,  as  they  saw  Graham's  companion.  He 
at  first  did  not  realize  the  sensation  their  appear 
ance  caused;  and  approaching  the  doctor  at  once, 
said,  "  Bridget  Maguire  has  just  informed  me  that 
an  attack  has  been  made  upon  Andrew  Fuller, 
near  her  cottage  on  the  mountain.  She  succeeded 
in  rescuing  him,  but  he  is  injured  and  needs  your 
services  immediately." 

"  Andrew  Fuller  !  "  exclaimed  Mr.  Butler;  "  ah  ! 
I  see,  he  was  a  '  black-leg.'  But,  Bridget,  how  did 
it  happen?  " 

"  Well,  yer  honor,  I'll  tell  ye  all  about  it,  if  the 


A    CO  WARDI.  Y  A  TTA CK.  237 

leddies  will  excuse  me  looks.  As  I  was  sayin'  to 
Misther  Graham,  I  were  jist  makin'  me  toilet,  whin 
Miss  Annie  coom  rinnin'  in,  whiter  nor  a  ghost,  an' 
said  four  black  devils  were  out  on  the  road,  fightin' 
agin  one  mon.  They  were  masked,  moind  ye,  but, 
be  gorry,  I  know'd  'em  right  off.  An"  clappin'  me 
two  hands  on  me  brither's  big  gun,  an'  givin'  the 
pistol  to  Miss  Annie,  we  shtarted  to  the  rescue, 
wid  Towser,  me  dog,  to  bring  up  the  rear.  Whin 
we  got  near  enough,  an'  where  the  bushes  were 
thick,  I  give  Towser  the  wink ;  an'  he  went  fer  'em 
wid  a  noise  yer  would  hov'  thought  would  a  raised 
the  dead  ;  an'  sure,  I  did  me  best  to  help  him,  let- 
tin'  fire  me  own  gun  at  the  same  time,  while  I 
telled  Miss  Annie  to  pop  hers  too.  An'  would  ye 
belave  it,  sir,  she  did,  jist  as  if  she  were  a  soger 
born  !  But  the  inemy  rin  so  fast,  we  couldn't  git  a 
chance  to  hit  'em  afore  they  was  out  o'  sight  an' 
Towser  gaspin'  fer  breath  wid  tryin'  to  catch  'em."- 
While  Bridget  told  her  story,  she  stood  dressed 
as  we  have  described,  in  her  favorite  attitude  with 
arms  akimbo,  only  her  fiery  locks,  which  the  wind 
had  not  improved,  gave  her  a  still  more  uncouth 
appearance.  Bursts  of  uncontrollable  laughter 
followed  her  account  of  the  battle.  But  turning 
with  perfect  unconcern,  she  walked  up  to  Dr. 
Smith,  and  said,  "Will  ye  coom  noo,  an'  do  yer 
part  ?  fer  I  kin  break  bones  aisier  nor  I  kin  mend 
'em." 


238  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

"Yes,  I'll  get  my  hat  and  drive  as  fast  as  my 
horse  can  carry  me." 

"  Yer  had  better  take  me  wid  ye,  sir  ;  or  ye'll  be 
drivin'  round  till  doom's  day,  afore  ye'd  foind  the 
shpot." 

"  Yes,  Doctor  ;  I  can  testifiy  to  the  truth  of  that 
statement,"  said  Graham,  laughing. 

"  I  never  refuse  the  company  of  a  lady.  But  is 
it  safe  to  trust  myself  with  this  Tisiphone  of  the 
woods  ?  Are  your  two  sisters  waiting  for  me  at 
your  hidden  castle?  " 

"  Faith  !  an'  I've  nary  a  relation  in  the  worreld, 
since  me  brither  died.  An  if  I  had  two  sisters,  I'd 
bid  them  be  quit  o'  the  name  of  Maguire  as  quick 
as  they  could.  But  I  didn't  take  yer  honor  for  a 
fool.  If  yer  agoin'  to  kape  me  wid  palaverin',  I'll 
not  be  boddered  wid  ye." 

"You  made  a  mistake,  Doctor,"  said  Ada  ;  "  she 
is  not  one  of  the  Furies,  but  a  Nemesis." 

"  Who's  that  callin'  me  a  fury?"  asked  Bridget, 
turning  sharply  on  her ;  "I'm  as  paceable  an'  dacent 
as  yerself,  as  Miss  Annie  or  ony  of  the  Malcomes 
will  tell  ye." 

"  She  said  you  were  a  Nemesis,  Bridget,  which 
means  that  you  avenge  the  wrongs  of  the  inno 
cent,"  replied  Graham. 

"  Noo,  Misther  Graham,  ye  said  ye'd  git  me  help, 
but,  be  jabers,  if  they're  jist  fer  callin'  me  names, 
whin  I've  an  honest  one,  me  mither  giv  me,  I'll 


A    COWARDLY  ATTACK.  239 

be  no  longer  fooled  wid  ye,  fer  I  tould  Miss  Annie 
I'd  be  back  gin  darruk." 

And  Bridget  turned  to  go,  in  a  spirit  of  righteous 
indignation. 

"  Yes,  indeed,  Doctor,  what  a  dreadful  position 
for  that  poor  girl ;  alone  up  on  the  mountain  with 
a  wounded  man.  Suppose  those  men  should  re 
turn  !  I  don't  wonder  you  are  in  a  hurry,  Bridget," 
exclaimed  Julia. 

"  You  are  right.  We  have  no  time  to  lose. 
But  some  one  ought  to  go  and  tell  his  friends  what 
has  happened,'*  said  the  doctor. 

"  I  intend  to  follow  you  immediately  on  horse 
back,  and  when  I  know  how  much  he  is  injured, 
will  go  with  word  to  his  mother,"  replied  Graham. 

"  No,  Graham,  return  here.  I  will  take  the  word 
to  his  mother,"  said  Mr.  Butler.  "  If  the  doctor 
and  you  all  hadn't  made  such  a  fuss  about  this  cold, 
I  should  have  been  there  before." 

"  Don't  go  to-night,  my  dear ;  let  Maurice  take 
the  message  to  her  now,  and  you  can  see  her  to 
morrow,"  urged  his  wife. 

"  No,  wife,  I  must  go  myself.  I  knew  her  when 
a  girl ;  she  is  in  sore  trouble  now.  Perhaps  I  can 
help  her,  as  no  one  else  can.  Get  back  as  soon  as 
possible,  Graham." 

This  he  promised  to  do,  while  Grace  urged  him 
to  ascertain  all  that  was  needed  for  the  wounded 
man's  relief,  and  Bridget  soon  had  the  satisfac- 


240  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

tion    of  returning  with  all  the  assistance  she  de 
sired. 

Annie  Malcome  when  left  alone  with  Fuller  be 
came  so  alarmed  at  his  death-like  pallor,  that  she 
gave  him  a  small  portion  of  the  stimulus  Bridget 
had  recommended.  This  revived  him  so  much  that 
he  opened  his  eyes,  and  seeing  her  bending  over 
him,  exclaimed,  "  Miss  Annie  !  am  I  still  alive?  " 
The  last  I  remember,  I  was  trying  to  defend  my 
self  from  four  ruffians,  who  were  beating  me  with 
clubs.  Now  you  are  so  kind  that  I  should  think 
I  were  in  heaven,  if  it  wer'n't  that  some  strange 
twinges  make  me  feel  that  I'm  not  yet  rid  of  the 
body." 

"  Keep  still,  Andrew,  I  beseech  you,  or  you  will 
make  yourself  worse.  I'll  tell  you  all  that's  hap 
pened."  She  then  related  the  story  of  his  rescue, 
and  how  Bridget  had  gone  for  a  doctor. 

"  And  you  are  alone  with  me  on  this  mountain? 
Suppose  those  murderers  return  and  find  us,  how 
can  I  defend  you?  O  Miss  Annie!  you  might 
better  have  left  me  to  my  fate." 

"  We  must  trust  God.  He  has  saved  you  in  such, 
a  wonderful  manner,  I  don't  think  he  will  let  a 
worse  fate  come  now." 

Fuller  was  in  too  much  pain  to  answer  at  once, 
but  when  Annie  again  gave  him  the  stimulus  he 
looked  up  and  said  :  "  I  suppose  you  think  that  I 
ought  to  be  grateful.  I  am,  to  you — but  not  to  God." 


A    CO  WARDL  Y  A  TTA  CK.  241 

"  Andrew,  how  can  you  speak  so  ?  " 

"  Miss  Annie,  if  you  knew  all  you  wouldn't 
blame  me." 

"  I  know  your  father  was  drowned.  Think  how 
terrible  it  would  be  for  your  mother,  if  you  had 
been  killed  too." 

"  This  is  worse,  for  I'd  have  been  out  of  the 
way,"  he  said  bitterly,  then  added  in  rapid,  passion 
ate  words  :  "  You  talk  about  a  merciful  God,  who 
is  just  and  loving.  Yet  my  mother,  the  best 
woman  who  ever  lived,  has  had  nothing  but  trouble 
since  I  can  remember.  My  sister  marries  a  man 
who  runs  father  into  debt,  and  after,  most  breaking 
her  heart,  and  ruining  her  health,  deserts  her  and 
her  children.  Father  has  bad  luck  in  everything, 
and  gets  into  the  clutches  of  that  Shylock  Hunt, 
who  presses  him  till  driven  to  despair  he  drowns 
himself.  Day  after  to-morrow  there  is  to  be  a  sale 
of  our  home  and  all  we  have.  Of  course  Hunt  will 
get  it.  Here  am  I  helpless  on  my  back,  and  they 
all  turned  out  of  doors.  Have  I  much  cause  for 
gratitude,  think  you  ?  " 

"  O  Andrew !  this  is  terrible,"  said  Annie,  her 
voice  shaken  with  sobs.  She  was  so  overwhelmed 
with  this  accumulation  of  trouble  that  she  could 
find  no  words  to  comfort  him.  But  perhaps  her 
tears  of  sympathy  were  more  healing,  for  after  a 
little,  in  a  softer  tone,  he  said  : 

"  Poor  little  Annie.     She  can't  love   me.     But 


242  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

she's  sorry  for  me;  and  she  risked  her  life  to  save 
me.  I'll  never  forget  that.  Don't  cry,  dear,  I  can 
bear  the  pain  easier  than  that  it  should  grieve  you. 
I  am  so  faint,  is  there  any  water  here?" 

She  gave  him  a  drink,  then  with  her  handker 
chief  gently  bathed  his  face.  His  sufferings  became 
so  intense  that  he  could  not  talk,  and  Annie  grew 
almost  sick  with  the  long  suspense.  Night  was 
closing  down  dark  around  them,  and  the  shrill  cry 
of  the  whippoonvill  often  made  her  start  in  terror. 

As  she  looked  at  the  strong  man  so  helpless  be 
fore  her,  and  realized  how  he  must  suffer  in  mind 
and  body,  her  sympathy  and  affection  were  drawn 
toward  him  more  strongly  than  in  all  the  months 
of  his  devoted  attentions. 


CHE  CKMA  TED.  243 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

CHECKMATED. 

S  THE  darkness  increased,  Annie  still 
kept  her  lonely  watch;  she  did  not  dare  to 
light  a  lamp,  lest  it  should  draw  the  enemy 
upon  them.  She  felt  sure  that  Bridget 
could  find  her  way  without  it,  if  she  succeeded  in 
obtaining  help.  But  as  she  sat  in  the  faint  flick 
ering  firelight,  listening  to  the  moans  of  the 
wounded  man,  and  the  rustling  of  the  trees  in  the 
wind,  a  terrible  dread  came  over  her  lest  Bridget 
also  might  have  been  waylaid,  and  the  long  night 
might  pass  without  any  help  reaching  them. 

Her  brother  often  remained  at  the  breaker,  and 
she  was  filled  with  anxiety  about  her  mother's 
helpless  condition.  There  are  times  when  min 
utes  and  hours  seem  days  and  weeks,  and  Annie 
could  not  realize  that  only  that  afternoon  she  had 
been  hunting  in  sunny  nooks  for  anemones  and  to 
see  if  the  arbutus  was  in  bloom,  with  a  heart  that, 
at  the  time  of  searching  for  these  old  friends  of  her 
childhood,  had  found  again  some  of  its  early  hap 
piness.  Now  it  seemed,  in  the  accumulation  of 
anxiety  and  trouble,  as  if  no  pleasure  could  ever 


244  FORGING.    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

stir  it  again.  She  forgot  the  old  proverb,  "  It's  a 
long  lane  that  has  no  turning." 

At  last  Towser,  who  was  lying  near  the  door, 
sprang  toward  it  with  a  savage  growl.  Fuller, 
starting  up,  exclaimed,  "  My  God  !  they  have 
found  us."  But  in  a  moment  more,  as  the  dog  be 
gan  wagging  his  stump  of  a  tail,  and  whining  to 
get  out,  Annie  said,  "  Don't  be  alarmed,  Andrew. 
I  am  sure  it  is  Bridget.  See,  the  dog  knows  her." 

And  almost  immediately,  confirmation  came 
from  Bridget's  voice,  calling,  "  It's  me,  me  darlin', 
wid  the  Docther  and  Misther  Graham." 

Annie  had  not  seen  Graham  since  the  school  on 
Easter  Sunday,  and  now  in  spite  of  herself,  the 
warm  color  flushed  her  face  at  this  unexpected 
meeting.  Fuller  noticed  it,  and  he  ground  his 
teeth  with  jealousy,  and  the  intense  pain  his  sud 
den  exertion  had  caused. 

The  doctor  immediately  examined  his  wounds, 
and  set  the  broken  leg,  Graham  rendering  all  the 
help  he  could. 

In  reply  to  his  inquiries  as  to  the  extent  of  the 
injuries  Fuller  had  received,  Dr.  Smith  said  that 
he  did  not  think  they  were  serious,  but  Fuller  had 
had  a  terrible  shock  to  his  nerves,  and  as  his  pulse 
was  very  high,  there  might  be  other  injuries  of 
which  he  could  not  judge  immediately  ;  he  would 
therefore  remain  with  his  patient  all  night. 

Graham  proposed  to  return  and  watch  with  him, 


CHECKMATED.  245 

but  Fuller  refused  his  assistance  in  such  a  surly 
manner  that  he  was  puzzled  to  know  wherein  he 
had  offended,  and  feeling  that  it  was  better  not  to 
irritate  him  further,  offered  to  see  Annie  home. 
But  she  declined,  saying  that  her  brother  Ned 
would  soon  be  there. 

When  Graham  returned  to  Cedar  Ridge,  he  found 
Julia  standing  on  the  porch,  with  a  light  shawl 
thrown  about  her. 

"  Why,  Miss  Earle  !  "  he  exclaimed.  "  You  can't 
be  star-gazing  this  dark  night?  " 

"  No.  I  came  out  for  a  little  air.  O  Mr.  Gra 
ham!  I  am  so  glad  you  are  safely  back.  Isn't  it 
very  imprudent  to  be  riding  around  these  lonely 
mountain  roads,  when  such  dreadful  things  are 
happening?  " 

They  were  now  standing  under  the  hall  lamp, 
and  looking  down  in  her  eyes  with  a  bright  smile, 
he  asked,  "Is  it  ever  imprudent  to  do  one's  duty  ?  '' 

"Do  you  mean  that  in  doing  that,  one  will  be 
protected  ?" 

"  No,  not  always,  but  there  are  risks  that  must 
be  taken.  My  courage  wasn't  put  to  half  the  test 
that  Annie  Malcome  met  so  bravely  this  after 
noon." 

Julia  recalled  a  certain  look  on  that  girl's  face  the 
last  time  she  saw  her  ;  and  thinking,  "  It  was  for 
her  sake  he  went,  I  understand  the  call  of  duty 
now,"  she  turned  abruptly  away.  He  took  a  step 


246  FORGING   THEIR  OWN  CHAINS. 

toward  her  as  if  to  speak  again,  but  pausing,  de 
cided  to  seek  Mr.  Butler  at  once. 

He  had  not  far  to  go,  for  this  gentleman  met 
him  fully  equipped  for  his  drive,  and  said,  "  I  heard 
your  voice.  Is  Fuller  seriously  injured  ?  " 

"  I  hope  not,  sir ;  we  can  hardly  tell  yet.  Dr. 
Smith  will  watch  him  carefully  to-night.  I  am 
going  with  you,  sir.  I  will  remain  in  the  carriage 
when  we  reach  the  farm-house,  unless  you  need 
my  help." 

"  Thank  you,  Graham,  my  wife  will  feel  easier, 
and  I  shall  be  glad  of  your  company." 

After  they  had  taken  their  seats  in  the  close  car 
riage  Mr.  Butler  had  ordered,  he  said  to  Graham : 
"  I  can't  tell  you  how  full  of  self-reproach  I  feel 
that  I  have  not  been  more  persistent  in  my  efforts 
to  help  these  old  neighbors." 

"  You  did  what  you  could  in  the  past,  sir  ;  one 
can't  thrust  help  upon  the  unwilling.  I  can't 
understand  why  Fuller  should  manifest  such  a 
dislike  toward  me  ;  I  have  not  consciously  injured 
him." 

"  Perhaps  an  explanation  may  come  to-night." 

During  the  rest  of  the  drive  both  gentlemen  be 
came  occupied  with  their  own  thoughts,  and  when 
the  farm-house  was  reached,  Mr.  Butler  went  in 
alone.  One  of  the  children  admitted  him,  and  took 
him  right  to  the  room  where  their  grandmother  was 
sitting  like  one  turned  to  stone,  her  eyes  staring 


CHECKMA  TED.  247 

and  fixed,  while  the  little  ones  were  weeping  around 
her,  unable  to  move  her. 

"  She's  been  like  that,"  said  the  oldest  girl,  with 
a  sob,  "  ever  since  a  boy  ran  in  and  told  us  Uncle 
Andrew  was  murdered.  He  said  he  saw  four  men 
beating  him  to  death." 

Mr.  Butler  sat  down  in  front  of  her,  and  took 
her  hands,  saying;  "Mrs.  Fuller,  your  son  is  not 
dead.  God  has  spared  him,  and  I  trust  he  will  live 
to  be  as  old  as  we  are." 

Tier  eyes  wavered  and  turned  toward  him,  as 
she  asked,  in  almost  a  whisper:  "Did  some  one 
say  he  was  alive  ?  "  But  then  the  flood-gates  of 
her  grief  being  loosed,  she  sank  upon  her  knees 
on  the  floor,  and  rocking  herself  to  and  fro,  cried, 
between  sobs  and  moans,  "  Oh  no,  he  is  dead! 
The  boy  said  four  men  were  beating  him  with 
clubs,  'way  off  on  the  lonely  mountain.  They 
threatened  to  kill  him,  but  I  could  not  think  the 
Lord  wrould  let  that  trouble  come  too.  John  is 
gone — my  babes  are  homeless,  but  '  oh,  my  son  ! 
my  son  !  would  to  God  I  had  died  for  thee ! ' 

Mr.  Butler  had  to  brush  the  tears  from  his  eyes, 
and  his  voice  trembled  with  emotion  as,  lifting  her 
up,  he  pleaded:  "Mrs.  Fuller,  look  at  me;  listen 
to  me,  I  beseech  you.  It  is  Joe  Butler,  your  old 
friend,  who  tells  you  that  Andrew  is  living.  God 
has  spared  him  to  you ;  raised  up  friends  to  rescue 
him.  He  is  now  safe,  and  not  dangerously  injured, 


248  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

I  am  told.     Compose    yourself,  my  dear  madam, 
and  believe  that  what  I  tell  you  is  true." 

She  looked  steadily  a  few  moments,  in  his  kind 
face,  which  was  so  full  of  sympathy,  as  if  trying  to 
realize  what  she  had  heard,  then,  although  the 
tears  were  still  rolling  down  her  cheeks,  she  rose 
with  a  quiet  dignity,  and  said  :  "  Joseph  Butler,  I 
never  had  reason  to  doubt  your  word.  I  thank  the 
Lord !  He  was  better  to  me  than  my  fears." 

"  Will  you  trust  me  still  further,  by  telling  me 
all  your  difficulties?  As  one  of  your  oldest  friends, 
I  have  come  with  the  desire  to  do  all  that  is  in  my 
power  to  help  you.  I  can't  tell  you  how  I  regret 
being  absent  from  home  when  your  husband  called." 

"  It  might  have  saved  much  misery.  God's  prov 
idences  are  mysterious,  and  trust  is  sometimes  a 
hard  lesson  to  learn.  But,  sir,  I  often  used  to  tell 
John  that  if  he  would  only  try  it,  the  road  wouldn't 
have  been  so  hard,  or  led  to  such  a  dark  end,"  she 
added,  with  a  heavy  sigh. 

Mrs.  Fuller  then  called  the  children  around  her, 
and  told  them  to  go  and  tell  their  mother  that  Uncle 
Andrew  was  still  alive,  and  bade  them  stay  with 
her  till  she  gave  them  permission  to  return  ;  after 
which,  she  turned  to  Mr.  Butler,  and  questioned 
him  'as  to  the  attack  and  rescue  of  her  son  ;  and, 
at  his  request,  told  all  the  complications  which  had 
driven  her  husband  to  despair.  She  spoke  of  the 
disappointment  they  experienced  when,  in  the  ex- 


CHECKMA  TED.  24  9 

citement  of  the  coal  discoveries,  it  was  finally  as 
certained  that  their  land  possessed  none.  "  Then, 
sir,"  she  continued,  ".you  know  how  gradually  the 
milling  business  fell  off.  John  was  different  from 
his  father ;  he  handn't  the  faculty  to  draw  busi 
ness  ;  he  was  reserved  and  proud,  and  farmers 
would  run  up  bills,  and  somehow  he  couldn't 
manage  to  collect  them.  When  Sarah  married 
John  Harris,  things  looked  brighter.  He  seemed 
like  a  nice,  steady  man,  doing  a  small  grocery  busi 
ness.  For  a  few  years  they  lived  very  happily,  and 
he  seemed  to  be  getting  a  little  ahead.  Andrew, 
too,  had  learned  to  be  an  engineer,  and  held  a 
good  place." 

"  Soon  after  the  war,  Harris  came  to  my  husband, 
and  said  that  a  number  of  friends  had  been  invest 
ing  their  savings  in  oil,  and  had  made  large  sums 
by  it.  He  put  in  a  little  and  found  it  paid  splen 
didly  ;  and  Mr.  Hunt  had  been  urging  him  to 
invest  more.  So,  to  make  a  long  story  short,  he 
persuaded  my  husband  to  endorse  a  note  for  him, 
as  he  wanted  to  raise  funds  for  this  venture ;  he 
setting  forth  in  glowing  terms,  how  rich  we  all 
would  be. 

"  But  before  many  months  were  gone,  we  found, 
instead  of  being  rich,  that  we  were  that  much 
poorer.  This  discouraged  Harris,  and  he  took  to 
bad  ways,  drinking,  gambling,  and  neglecting  his 
business.  John  tried  to  hold  him  back,  and  when 


250  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

he  promised  to  reform  set  him  up  again.  Finally 
he  mortgaged  this  property  to  Mr.  Hunt,  for  fifteen 
thousand  dollars,  as  the  only  way  to  meet  his  lia 
bilities,  for  Hunt  had  my  husband  and  Harris  com 
pletely  in  his  power.  Harris  had  sunk  so  low  by  this 
time  that  he  was  a  perfect  sot,  and  no  one  knows 
the  abuse  poor  Sarah  endured.  At  last  he  ran 
away  and  left  her  the  miserable  wreck  of  her  for 
mer  self  she  is  now.  We  brought  her  home  and 
tried  to  struggle  on  under  our  burden  of  debt,  with 
five  more  to  feed  and  clothe. 

"  Sarah's  mind  was  so  shattered  that  many  a 
night  my  husband  and  son  had  to  hold  her  when 
the  paroxysms  of  frenzy  came  on,  and  afterward 
she  would  be  for  days  in  a  sort  of  stupor.  As  if 
this  was  not  trouble  enough,  Andrew's  employer 
failed,  and  he  was  thrown  out  of  work.  In  my 
distress  I  went  to  the  little  church  here,  feeling  that 
I  must  find  some  comfort  a^id  help,  or  I  could  bear 
no  more.  The  minister  preached  from  that  text 
over  the  mantelpiece,  "  Cast  thy  burden  upon  the 
Lord,  and  He  will  sustain  thee."  As  I  listened,  I 
felt  the  whole  weight  of  mine  rolling  off,  and,  sir, 
I  have  never  tried  to  carry  it  alone  since.  I  often 
urged  John  to  go  with  me,  and  find  the  comfort  I 
had  obtained.  But  these  troubles  made  him  hard 
and  bitter.  He  distrusted  both  God  and  man. 
Andrew  is  like  him,  and  he  became  very  bitter  too, 
and  I  feared  was  being  led  astray. 


CHECKMA  TED.  2  5 1 

"  Every  year  it  was  a  harder  struggle  to  raise  the 
interest-money,  and  Mr.  Hunt  grew  more  and  more 
pressing.  The  strike  and  hard  times  made  it  im 
possible  for  them  to  get  work,  or  sell  the  place, 
especially  as  it  was  running  down  so  fast.  Many 
a  time  this  last  winter  we've  gone  to  bed  cold  and 
hungry.  I  saw  that  it  was  wearing  fearfully  on  John, 
both  in  mind  and  body.  Sometimes  when  you 
sent  us  some  kind  token  of  remembrance,  I  have 
urged  him  to  go  to  you  for  help.  But  he  said  that 
you  were  very  intimate  with  Gordon  and  Hunt.  It 
wouldn't  help  matters,  or  be  any  easier  to  pay  the 
interest  to  you  than  to  him.  But  I  felt  that  you 
Avouldn't  have  been  so  hard  onus,  if  a  little  behind. 
Mr.  Hunt  several  times  threatened  to  foreclose, 
but  we  parted  with  one  thing  after  another,  and  so 
raised  the  money.  Last  week  I  noticed  that  John 
was  more  depressed  than  usual.  But  I  thought 
it  was  partly  the  fear  of  the  floods,  and  I  was 
so  taken  up  with  the  children,  for  two  of  them 
were  very  sick,  that  I  couldn't  look  after  him  as 
I  should  have  done.  The  night  the  ice  moved 
out,  he  came  to  me  and  said,  as  I  was  undressing 
the  youngest,  '  Poor  old  wife,  when  forty  years 
ago  I  asked  you  to  share  my  fortunes  for  better 
or  worse,  I  didn't  know  to  what  I  was  binding 
you.  Will  you  kiss  me,  and  pray  that  a  brighter 
future  may  be  in  store  for  us  on  the  other  side  •> 
I've  no  hope  left  for  this.  The  flood  may  take  us 


252  FORGING   THEIR  OWN  CHAINS. 

all  away  before  morning,  and  it  would  be  almost 
a  mercy.' 

"  'John,  John,'  I  said,  '  don't  talk  so  despairing 
ly.  God  will  take  compassion  and  send  brighter 
days.'  One  of  the  children  called  me  in  great  dis 
tress  just  then,  and  I  ran  to  her  assistance,  and 
never  saw  my  husband  again.  He  wrote  me  a  let- 
ler,  telling  me  that  he  could  endure  life  no  longer, 
and  that  we  were  soon  to  be  turned  on  the  street. 

"  Don't  be  too  severe,  Mr.  Butler.  It  was  wrong, 
but  he  was  sorely  tried.  He  thought  Andrew 
could  do  better  without  him.  On  Friday  there  is 
to  be  a  sale  of  our  place  and  what  little  else  we 
have.  Hunt  will  have  it  all,  though.  Andrew  had 
secured  work  again,  but  at  the  risk  of  his  life.  We 
trusted  to  get  a  little  house  near  the  colliery,  where 
he  wouldn't  be  so  much  exposed.  Can  you  wonder, 
when  the  terrible  news  came  that  he  was  murdered, 
that  hope  and  faith  utterly  failed?" 

As  Mrs.  Fuller  told  her  pathetic  story,  there  was 
no  excitement,  no  bitter  reproaches;  only  some 
times  she  patiently  wiped  away  the  tears  with  the 
corner  of  her  apron.  Mr.  Butler,  however,  listened, 
often  pacing  the  floor  rapidly,  saying,  "  Oh  !  if  I  had 
only  known;"  and  blowing  his  nose  like  the  blast  of 
a  trumpet,  or  sitting  with  his  face  covered,  while  in 
spite  of  himself  tears  trickled  through  his  fingers. 
When  she  finished,  he  took  her  hand  in  an  Almost 
reverent  manner,  and  said,  "  I  thought  I  drank  the 


CHECKMATED.  253  ' 

cup  of  sorrow  to  the  dregs,  when  I  brought  home 
the  lifeless  body  of  my  only  son  from  the  battle 
field  of  Gettysburg!!.  But,  madam,  I  feel  as  if  my 
trouble  is  nothing,  compared  to  the  burden  you 
have  so  nobly  sustained.  My  heart  burns  with 
indignation,  when  I  realize  that  you  owe  it  all  to 
the  cupidity  and  cruelty  of  one  man.  I  have 
always  distrusted  Hunt,  though  I  had  no  certain 
ground  for  suspicion.  I  wish  I  could  bring  upon 
him  the  punishment  he  deserves.  But  although  I 
cannot  restore  the  sad  losses  of  the  past,  I  can  at 
least  smooth  your  path  somewhat  in  the  future.  I 
will  see  Hunt  to-night,  and  pay  him  that  mortgage 
in  full.  You  shall  not  be  disturbed  in  your  old 
home,  and  I  shall  make  it  my  business  that  you 
and  yours  are  cared  for,  till  Andrew  is  able  to  sup 
port  you." 

"  God  bless  you,  sir,"  cried  the  poor  old  woman  ; 
and  sinking  into  a  chair,  and  covering  her  face  with 
her  apron,  she  gave  way  to  tears  more  copious  than 
she  had  often  shed  in  her  deepest  sorrow.  But 
now  the  bitterness  of  grief  was  gone,  and  these 
tears  seemed  to  wash  away  much  of  the  heavy 
accumulation  of  care  and  perplexity  which  had 
been  resting  upon  her  so  long. 

Mr.  Butler  took  out  a  roll  of  bills,  and  laying 
them  by  her  side,  said  that  she  must  use  those  for 
her  immediate  needs.  If  Andrew  ever  became  a 
prosperous  man,  he  could  return  the  principal. 


254  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

But  she  need  give  herself  no  uneasiness.  He  had 
no  children  to  provide  for,  and  to  relieve  them 
would  be  the  best  investment  he  could  make. 

He  promised  to  see  Andrew  in  the  morning,  and 
free  his  mind  from  anxiety.  He  should  have  every 
care,  he  said,  and  be  brought  home  as  soon  as  it 
was  safe  to  move  him.  And  meantime  he  would 
send  her  frequent  tidings  of  her  son's  welfare.  He 
then  bade  her  good-night,  and  joined  Graham,  who 
was  waiting  in  the  carriage. 

"  Maurice,"  he  said,  as  he  shut  the  door,  after 
giving  orders  to  the  coachman  to  drive  them  home, 
"That  Hunt  is  a  villain." 

"  Mr.  Butler,  what  do  you  mean  ?  In  all  I've  had 
to  do  with  him  he  has  been  perfectly  straightfor 
ward." 

"  Yes,  I  doubt  if  he  has  gone  beyond  the  limits 
of  the  law  in  anything;  he  is  too  shrewd  for  that ; 
but  I  have  heard  to-night  of  two  rn^n  he  has  driven 
to  ruin.  And  yet  all  I  can  do  will  be  to  pay  him 
for  a  debt  into  which  his  devilish  speculations  drew 
them.  Graham,  you  haven't  taken  stock  in  any  of 
his  gambling  operations?" 

"  I  have  no  money  to  invest,  sir,  and  he  knows 
my  sentiments  too  well  to  urge  it." 

"  I  hope  you  will  always  stick  to  them,  my  boy. 
A  slow  penny  honestly  made  is  worth  more  than  a 
pound  borrowed  for  such  risks." 

He  told  Graham  briefly  of  the  trouble  into  which 


CHECKMA  TED.  255 

Hunt  had  drawn  Harris  and  Fuller,  and  its  fearful 
results,  and  added,  "  I  know  Hunt  made  money  by 
that  operation.  How  they  lost,  or  were  cheated,  I 
have  no  means  of  ascertaining.  But  I  believe  that 
a  man  who  pursues  that  course  will  meet  his  day  of 
reckoning.  Sooner  or  later  his  sins  will  find  him 
out.  I  tell  you  this  to  put  you  on  your  guard,  but 
keep  your  own  counsel  and  mine  for  the  present." 

When  Mr.  Butler  entered  the  parlor  at  Cedar 
Ridge,  he  found  Hunt  seated  in  the  bay-window, 
at  a  game  of  chess  with  Julia  ;  Mr.  Stokes  was 
present  also,  paying  most  devoted  attentions  to 
Miss  Ada,  as  she  sat  by  the  piano  in  the  back 
parlor,  playing  little  snatches  of  music  now  and 
then.  Neither  of  these  parties  took  any  notice  of 
the  new-comer  as  he  joined  the  circle  around  the 
fire.  His  -wife  looked  up,  and  said  she  was  glad 
he  had  returned.  Grace  inquired  if  Mrs.  Fuller  had 
heard  the  tidings?  And  Gordon  put  a  few  ques 
tions  about  the  accident,  and  said  that  he  hoped  the 
miners  xvould  get  tired  of  butchering  each  other 
after  a  while  and  go  to  work. 

Mr.  Butler  made  but  brief  replies,  and  placed  his 
chair  in  such  a  position  that  he  could  be  apparently 
resting  yet  take  observations  of  all  in  the  room. 

He  noticed  a  quick  flush  rise  in  Julia's  cheek  as 
Graham  came  in.  But  she  seemed,  if  anything, 
still  more  absorbed  in  Hunt's  low  conversation,  for 
the  game  was  merely  a  matter  of  form.  He  watched 


256  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

Graham's  frequent  glances  toward  her,  over  the 
paper  he  was  pretending  to  read,  and  his  pained 
expression  as  he  rose  and  left  the  room. 

"  Is  she  going  to  be  such  a  fool  as  to  fall  into 
that  man's  snares  too?"  Butler  asked  himself. 
"  I  thought  that  she  had  sense  enough  to  like 
Graham,  and  I  really  believed  that  she  was  out 
watching  for  him  to  come  back  from  his  moun 
tain  ride.  But  there  she  is,  flirting  with  Hunt 
at  the  top  of  her  bent  — seeing  if  she  can't  beat 
that  girl  in  the  next  room.  I  declare,  it  disgusts 
me.  I'm  sorry  I  recommended  her  to  Maurice,  for 
I  think  he  has  taken  a  greater  interest  in  her 
than  he  did  in  Miss  Ada ;  and  really  I  thought 
Julia  was  of  the  pure  metal,  that  only  needed  the 
refining  influences  of  a  real  love  to  bring  out  its 
true  quality.  But  if  she  can  turn  from  Graham  to 
Hunt,  after  what  even  she  knows  of  the  two,  I 
think  he  is  well  rid  of  her." 

After  the  pretense  of  game  was  finished,  Mr. 
Butler  stepped  up  to  Hunt,  and  requested  a  short 
private  interview  with  him  in  the  library.  "Cer 
tainly,  sir,"  said  Hunt,  rising,  though  an  expression 
of  annoyance  passed  over  his  face. 

"  Miss  Julia,  since  our  friend  says  that  his  busi 
ness  will  not  detain  me  long,  perhaps  you'll  try 
your  luck  at  another  game  ?  " 

"  No,  Mr.  Hunt,  I'm  too  weak  an  antagonist.  I 
will  pass  the  challenge  over  to  Mr.  Butler  ;  then 


CHECKMATED.  257 

you  will  have  a  foeman  worthy  of  your  skill.  I'd 
like  to  see  you  fairly  checkmated  for  once." 

"  O  Miss  Julia!  how  can  you  be  so  cruel?  I 
thought  you  were  my  friend." 

"  What !  after  you  have  robbed  me  of  my  knights, 
and  left  me  neither  refuge  in  castles  or  bishops? 
No  ;  be  sure  I  leave  you  in  a  very  vengeful  spirit." 

"  I  hope  to  goodness  she  will  keep  it,"  muttered 
Butler  to  himself,  "  I  only  wish  that  I  could  check 
mate  him." 

But  Hunt  trusted  more  in  the  bright  blushing 
glance  that  Julia  gave  him,  than  in  her  threaten 
ing  words. 

When  the  library  door  was  closed,  Mr.  Butler 
turned  to  Hunt  and  said,  "  I  have  been  to  see  my 
old  friend  Mrs.  Fuller  to-night,  and  she  has 
authorized  me  to  pay  the  mortgage  held  by  you 
on  their  place.  Have  you  the  papers  here  ?  " 

Hunt's  thoughts  were  very  rapid.  He  saw  that 
Butler's  first  move  had  checkmated  him  more 
completely  than  he  meant  he  should  ever  find  out. 
Till  Mrs.  Butler's  servant-girl  mentioned  that  John 
Fuller  had  sought  help  from  Mr.  Butler,  the  day 
he  had  left  him  in  such  despair,  Hunt  was  not 
aware  of  any  acquaintance  between  them.  That 
knowledge  alarmed  him,  and  made  him  act  with 
the  utmost  caution  and  celerity  to  push  matters 
through  before  Butler  could  interfere.  He  looked 
upon  it  as  a  special  good  fortune  that  the  old  gen- 


258  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

tleman's  severe  cold  had  confined  him  to  the 
house,  and  he  felt  sure  that  he  would  obtain  the 
prize  he- wished.  Therefore  not  till  that  request 
to  deliver  up  the  papers  was  sprung  like  a  mine 
upon  him,  had  he  the  least  suspicion  of  any  inter 
ference  in  his  plans.  Now,  what  could  he  do  ? 
To  give  up  the  thirty  thousand,  when  he  had 
such  sore  need  of  it,  and  take  but  fifteen,  was  a 
severe  blow.  He  must  at  least  make  a  little  fight 
for  it. 

Looking  up  with  a  sneer  he  said,  "  I  was  not 
aware  that  Mrs.  Fuller  had  the  honor  of  your 
friendship." 

"  She  has,  sir,  and  my  highest  esteem.  One  of 
the  most  sincere  regrets  of  my  life  is,  that  I 
was  not  at  home  when  John  Fuller,  called  upon 
me  for  help.  Now,  sir,  I  stand  ready  to  act  for 
her." 

Hunt's  cheek  blanched  in  spite  of  himself,  as  he 
met  Mr.  Butler's  stern  glance. 

It  was  very  evident  that  he  had  more  knowledge 
than  it  was  at  all  comfortable  for  him  to  possess. 
He  was  an  antagonist  too  dangerous  for  Hunt  to 
rouse  to  open  warfare.  So  turning  carelessly  to 
the  secretary,  and  drawing  out  his  cigars,  he  offered 
one  to  Mr.  Butler,  and  said,  "  I  do  not  keep  papers 
of  that  nature  up  here.  Of  course  I  only  wanted 
to  get  back  my  own,  therefore,  after  long  delay, 
was  obliged  to  foreclose.  If  you  will  come  to  my 


CHECKMATED.  259 

office  at  the  bank  to-morrow,  I  shall  be  happy  to 
transact  that  little  business  with  you.  I  presume 
Mrs.  Fuller  is  prepared  to  pay  the  costs  of  fore 
closure,  etc  ?  " 

"  Certainly,  sir  ;  everything  shall  be  paid  in  full 
at  ten  o'clock  to-morrow.  Excuse  me,  I'll  not 
smoke  to-night.  Good-evening." 

After  he  left,  Hunt  locked  the  door  and  lighting 
his  cigar  sat  down  to  think  what  he  should  do  in 
this  new  phase  of  affairs.  It  was  a  very  serious 
blow  to  his  schemes,  and  moreover  revealed  to 
him  that  he  had  gained  the  suspicion  and  anger  of 
one  of  the  most  honorable  and  influential  men  of 
that  region. 

A  breath  of  distrust  thrown  upon  his  manage 
ment  of  the  Oquago  Bank  now,  would  draw  that 
man's  scrutiny,  and  bring  about  investigations  of 
which  he  did  not  dare  to  think.  What  should  he 
do  ?  Conscience  said,  "  Retrace  your  steps  while 
you  can.  Honesty  is  the  best  policy.  If  you 
keep  on  it  may  be  too  late." 

But  looking  at  the  other  side  of  the  question,  he 
found  that  downward  steps  are  not  easy  to  retrace. 
And  then  Stokes  had  so  thoroughly  convinced  him 
that  this  last  venture  was  going  to  prove  a  won 
derful  success.  Two  or  three  weeks'  more  careful, 
skillful  work,  would  place  them  both  safe,  among 
the  rich  men  of  the  land.  Then  he  could  afford  to 
laugh  at  such  paltry  losses  as  fifteen  thousand  dol- 


260  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

lars.  Everything  but  this  was  working  favorably. 
Stokes  was  desperately  in  love  with  Ada  ;  and  Hunt 
had  made  him  feel  that  his  best  chance  to  win  her 
was  to  serve  him  faithfully,  and  make  money  him 
self,  as  that  would  give  him  the  position  to  which 
she  had  been  accustomed.  Hunt  had  now  con 
vinced  himself  that  the  very  best  thing  Ada  could 
do  would  be  to  marry  Stokes.  He  knew  that  he 
could  not  tell  her  this,  for  he  saw  that  she  was  play 
ing  her  part  with  Stokes  merely  to  help  him,  and 
he  must  keep  up  her  delusion  till  he  had  secured 
Julia.  He  thought  that  she  would  console  her 
self  with  Stokes,  when  she  found  that  his 
wealth  could  give  her  every  luxury,  if  nothing 
more.  He  had  strong  hopes  of  Julia  from  her 
gracious  manner  toward  him  that  night.  If  he 
could  only  get  Graham  out  of  the  way  for  a 
little!  Perhaps  Gordon  might  be  persuaded 
to  send  him  to  Philadelphia,  to  consult  with 
his  uncle,  on  the  feasibility  of  making  some 
compromise  with  the  miners,  or  bringing  new 
hands  to  start  up  the  works.  Fortunately  Mr. 
Butler  was  not  a  director  of  their  bank,  or  even  a 
depositor  ;  and  he  hoped  to  keep  his  credit  secure 
till  these  plans  were  consummated.  The  first 
thing  in  the  morning,  he  must  write  to  that 
firm  in  Western  New  York,  that  the  property  they 
thought  of  purchasing  was  no  longer  in  the 
market. 


CHE  CKMA  TED.  2  6 1 

He  had  often  played  a  risky  game.  This  was  a 
little  more  involved,  but  he  would  be  a  fool  to 
give  up  now,  when  there  were  still  so  many  moves 
left.  No!  Mr.  Butler  had  not  checkmated  him 

yet. 


262  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

PLOTS  AND  COUNTER-PLOTS. 

UNT  came  down  earlier  than  usual  the 
next  morning,  intending  to  get  to  town  in 
time  to  dispatch  some  letters  by  the  first 
mail.  Ada  overheard  him  giving  orders 
for  his  breakfast  the  night  before,  and  resolved  to 
pour  out  his  coffee  and  have  a  little  private  con 
versation  at  the  same  time.  So  when  he  entered 
the  breakfast  room,  she  very  soon  joined  him.  He 
was  surprised  and  gratified  to  see  her,  and,  sus 
pecting  that  she  had  come  to  talk  about  Stokes, 
determined  to  make  all  smooth  and  safe  there. 

Dismissing  the  servant,  he  laid  his  hand  lightly 
on  her  shoulder,  and  stooping,  kissed  her  cheek, 
saying,  "  Cousins  have  privileges,  you  know." 

"  Some  cousins  are  inclined  to  take  more  than 
their  share,"  she  replied,  as  she  blushed  under  his 
caress. 

"  That  does  not  apply  to  me.  I  felt  last  night 
as  if  I  were  being  defrauded.  Mr.  Stokes  is  be- 
becoming  wonderfully  devoted." 

"  How  could  you  tell,  when  you  were  flirting  so 
desperately  with  Julia?  " 


PLOTS  AND   COUNTER-PLOTS.  263 

"  Not  so  desperately  but  that  I  could  watch 
you." 

"  Well,  Hal,  you  know  I  am  only  following  out 
your  wishes  ;  and  that's  what  I  have  come  to  talk 
to  you  about.  That  man  is  very  presuming  and 
unmanageable.  You  said  that  you  couldn't  recom 
mend  him — that  he  was  only  a  vulgar,  shoddy,  army 
contractor  during  the  war.  Now  how  much  longer 
do  you  want  me  to  put  up  with  his  insolent  atten 
tions,  for  such  I  consider  them.  If  it  weren't  for 
your  sake,  I'd  never  see  his  face  again.  He  tried 
to  kiss  me  last  night." 

"  Really,  I  can  scarcely  blame  him.  It  was 
such  a  strong  temptation.  It  was  Miss  Earle 
called  him  an  army  contractor.  Very  probably  he 
,was.  Ada,  you  have  been  so  good  to  me  in  this 
matter,  I  hardly  know  how  to  thank  you.  But  in 
order  completely  to  accomplish  my  plans,  I  fear  I 
will  have  to  beg  of  you  to  keep  up  this  delusion  a 
little  longer.  You  certainly  are  skillful  enough  to 
hold  him  in  check  for  two  or  three  weeks.  Just 
as  soon  as  these  matters  he  now  has  in  charge  are 
brought  to  a  successful  termination,  as  I  am  sure 
they  will  be,  you  may  give  him  the  mitten  when 
ever  you  please,  unless  you  think  better  of  it. 
He  will  be  a  rich  man.  You  might  do  worse." 

"  Oh  !  Hal,  you  know  I  want  something  beside 
money  in  the  man  I  marry." 

"  That  may  be,  but  he  would  need  to  have  con- 


264  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

sidcrable  to  keep  you  as  you  would  like.  I  hope 
before  another  six  months  have  passed  to  be  in 
a  position  to  marry,  and  give  my  wife  a  home 
worthy  of  her." 

Ada  had  no  doubt  that  she  would  be  that  envi 
able  person.  A  deep,  rich  color  dyed  her  cheeks, 
and  her  eyes  sparkled  under  the  long  half-droop 
ing  lashes.  Hunt  looked  at  her,  and  almost  wished 
that  he  could  make  her  his  choice.  But  as  it 
is  with  most  men,  and  with  him  especially,  the 
knowledge  that  he  had  only  to  speak  the  word  to 
obtain  her  love,  made  him  indifferent  to  it.  Julia, 
beside  her  wealth,  had  now  by  her  uncertain 
actions  caused  him  to  be  more  eager  in  his 
pursuit,  although  she  had  not  a  tithe  of  Ada's 
attractiveness. 

Still,  Hunt  knew  what  a  dangerous  enemy  Ada 
would  make,  if  her  jealousy  were  aroused  before 
he  was  in  a  position  to  act  independently  of  both 
her  and  Stokes. 

Therefore,  he  brought  his  utmost  skill  and  fas 
cinating  arts  to  bear  in  his  efforts  to  convince  her 
that  he  was  only  amusing  himself  with  Julia,  as  a' 
blind  to  Stokes,  and  how  important  it  was  that  he 
should  believe  that  Hunt  was  pleading  his  cause, 
and  that  her  acceptance  was  only  a  matter  of 
delay,  or  reluctance  to  give  up  her  freedom. 

When  Hunt  left  for  town,  he  felt  that  morning's 
interview  to  be  not  a  bad  beginning  of  his  day's 


PLOTS  AND   COUNTER-PLOTS.  265 

work.  And  yet  he  had  proved  the  truth  of  the 
text,  "  The  wicked  is  snared  in  the  work  of  his 
own  hands;  "  for  the  glass  door  stood  partly  open 
that  led  into  the  library,  and  there  within  hearing 
sat  the  man  who  was  the  subject  of  their  conver 
sation.  They  did  not  know  that  he  was  habit 
ually  an  early  riser,  and  supposed  when  they  dis 
missed  the  servant  that  there  were  no  others  on 
that  floor. 

When  Stokes  recognized  the  voice  of  the  speak 
ers  he  had  no  scruples  in  listening.  But  when  he 
found  that  they  were  about  to  rise,  he  left  the  room 
by  another  door,  and  neither  of  them  suspected  that 
their  words  had  been  overheard,  nor  the  count 
er-plots  that  were  then  laid  to  bring  upon  them  a 
bitter  retribution. 

When  Stokes  met  Ada  at  the  usual  breakfast 
hour,  his  manner  was  as  devoted  as  on  the  previous 
evening.  After  they  left  the  table,  he  requested 
to  see  her  alone  in  the  library.  She  rose  with  a 
gracious  smile,  and  as  her  queenly  form  swept  by 
him  when  he  held  open  the  door,  he  muttered  to 
himself,  "  Ah  !  my  gentle  lady,  you  think  now  you 
are  going  to  pull  the  wool  over  Bill  Stokes's  eyes. 
But  'it's  the  early  bird  that  catches  the  worm, 'and 
Hunt  is  the  worm  that  I'll  grind  in  the  dust.  You 
are  a  wise  little  serpent,  but  so  beautiful  that  I'll 
rob  you  gently  of  your  sting,  and  make  you  my 
pet  and  plaything." 
12 


266  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

Ada  felt  nervous  and  uneasy.  There  was  an  ex 
pression  in  the  man's  eyes  bent  upon  her  that  she 
could  not  read.  But  her  real  timidity  made  her 
counterfeit  of  the  bashful  maiden  more  complete. 

"  Miss  Hunt,"  he  said,  in  tones  that  were  calm 
from  their  intensity  of  passion,  "  you  are  aware 
that  I  have  but  one  object  in  seeking  this  inter 
view.  Loving  you  as  I  do,  you  must  know  that 
the  strongest  desire  of  my  heart  is  to  make  you 
my  wife.  I  may  be  precipitate  in  this  announce 
ment.  I  am  not  much  accustomed  to  the  fine 
phrases  by  which  courtiers  woo  fair  ladies,  but  I 
have  begged  your  cousin,  who  seems  so  favorable 
to  my  cause,  to  plead  in  my  behalf.  May  I  hope 
that  his  words,  if  not  my  devotion,  have  won  me  a 
favorable  answer  ?  " 

The  long  lashes  drooped  over  Ada's  eyes,  as  she 
replied,  "  Mr.  Stokes,  you  pay  me  a  great  honor. 
I  acknowledge  that  my  cousin  Henry  has  spoken 
favorably  of  your  merits.  But  excuse  me,  if  I  say 
that  you  seem  as  yet  comparatively  a  stranger. 
One  can  hardly  accept  such  an  offer,  till  they  feel 
sure  they  can  '  love,  honor,  and  obey.'  Isn't  that 
the  way  the  promise  runs?"  she  asked,  looking  up 
suddenly  with  one  of  her  bewitching  smiles. 

"  Then  may  I  hope  that  your  acceptance  is  only 
a  question  of  time,  and  that  when  I  come  again,  I 
may  put  the  diamond  on  your  finger?" 

"  At  least,  Mr.  Stokes,  give  me  this  time  to  con- 


PLOTS  AND   COUNTER-PLOTS.  267 

sider  the  subject.  I  know  that  you  are  too  noble 
and  worthy  a  man  to  be  content  with  the  hand  with 
out  the  heart." 

"  Certainly,  Miss  Hunt.  But  I  have  strong  con 
fidence  that  within  two  months  you  will  be  able  to 
give  me  both.  And  in  June,  the  bridal  month, 
this  house  will  witness  a  double  wedding — that  of 
your  cousin,  Mr.  Hunt,  with  Miss  Earle,  and  our 
selves." 

Ada's  eyes  flashed,  while  her  cheek  blanched  as 
she  said,  "  Mr.  Stokes,  I  think  you  are  taking  too 
much  for  granted." 

"  Pardon  me,  I  may  be  in  reference  to  yourself, 
but  certainly  not  in  the  former  case.  I  have  Mr. 
Hunt's  own  words  that  those  are  his  intentions. 
And  as  his  actions  speak  so  plainly  to  the  same 
point,  I  cannot  imagine  that  Miss  Earle  will  long  be 
proof  against  his  strong  attractions.  I  feel  flattered 
that  you  have  been  so  absorbed  with  your  own 
conflicting  feelings  as  not  to  notice  what  is  so  evi 
dent  to  others." 

As  Stokes  said  this  his  cold  gray  eyes  held  hers 
in  a  fixed  gaze.  Anger  and  passionate  jealousy 
were  raging  in  her  heart,  though  her  iron  will  held 
them  in  control.  .But  Stokes  knew  that  his  shaft  had 
struck  home,  as  her  color  came  and  went  with  fear 
ful  rapidity,  and  she  did  not  dare  trust  herself  to 
speak.  Still  keeping  his  eyes  fixed  upon  her,  he 
continued :  "  You  remarked  that  you  wished  to  be- 


268  FORGING   THEIR  OWN  CHAIN 8. 

come  better  acquainted  with  me.  I  regret  to  say 
that  business  will  keep  me  confined  to  New  York 
for  several  weeks  to  come  ;  I  hope  by  that  time  to 
lay  a  fortune  at  your  feet,  which  would  give  you 
every  luxury  heart  could  wish.  Meanwhile  I  can 
surely  have  the  privilege  of  writing  from  day  to  day, 
and  hoping  sometimes  for  a  gracious  reply  ?  " 

He  took  her  hand,  which  was  cold  and  passive, 
and  coming  still  closer,  said:  "A  jealous  man, 
Miss  Ada,  does  not  always  see  clearly;  but  I  im 
agined  once,  that  you  had  formed  an  unfortunate 
attachment  for  your  cousin.  I  most  honestly  trust 
that  I  was  mistaken,  for  he  cannot  afford  to  marry  a 
poor  girl.  Good-bye  ;  I  shall  hope  for  a  more  fav 
orable  reception  when  we  meet  again." 

And,  dropping  her  hand,  he  left  the  room.  Ada 
sat  perfectly  still  till  she  knew  he  was  out  of  the 
house,  then  she  flew  to  her  room,  and  crouching 
down  on  the  floor,  gave  herself  up  to  a  passionate 
burst  of  feeling. 

"  How  dare  he  speak  to  me  so ! "  she  cried, 
clenching  her  hands.  "  Yet  I  fear  it  is  true,  and 
that  Henry  has  been  deceiving  me  all  this  time. 
Is  it  possible  that  I,  who  have  only  seen  this  man 
a  dozen  times,  have  betrayed  my  weakness  to  him  ? 
Poor  fool  that  I  am  ;  I  would  rather  die  than  marry 
him.  Yet  suppose  Henry  does  marry  Julia;  what 
is  to  become  of  me  ?  She  hates  me  as  sincerely  as 
I  do  her.  Shall  I  live  on  their  bounty,  or  go  on 


PLOTS  AND   COUNTER-PLOTS.  269 

cuddling  to  his  old  mother's  tyrannical  whims  ?  No, 
I'd  better  marry  Stokes.  I  would  at  least  get 
money  and  a  home.  I  don't  believe  what  Stokes 
said,  though,  after  Hal's  talk  and  manner  this 
morning.  Yet  I  know  he's  ambitious.  He  would 
sacrifice  me  or  anything  that  would  serve  his  inter 
est.  I'll  watch  him  now,  day  and  night.  No  lynx 
was  ever  sharper  than  I  will  be.  Perhaps  I  had 
better  keep  it  an  open  question  with  Stokes  ;  he 
may  prove  a  last  resort.  A  poor  girl,  depend 
ent  on  her  rich  relations,  is  in  a  miserably  weak 
condition." 

She  was  not  a  woman  to  give  way  long  to  una 
vailing  tears,  but  rose,  dried  her  eyes,  and  sat 
down  calmly  to  review  the  whole  situation. 

As  Mr.  Stokes  was  about  to  enter  the  private 
room  at  the  Oquago  Bank,  he  saw  Hunt  handing 
the  cashier  the  check  for  fifteen  thousand,  that 
Butler  had  that  morning  paid  him,  and  overheard 
the  latter  say :  "  I  thought  you  intended  to  take 
possession  of  that  property  and  sell 'it  for  thirty." 

"  Old  Butler  spoiled  that  little  plan,"  replied 
Hunt,  carelessly.  "  I  am  sorry,  but  it  won't  make 
much  difference  in  the  end.  Don't  worry,  we'll  be 
out  of  the  woods  in  a  few  weeks." 

"  Ah !  Stokes,"  he  exclaimed,  as  he  saw  him  in 
the  doorway ;  "  I  hope  you  will  excuse  my  want 
of  ceremony  this  morning.  I  thought  probably 
you  might  not  be  in  a  hurry  to  leave,  and  my  time 


2 yo  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

was  precious.  '  It's  the  early  bird  that  catches 
the  worm,'  you  know." 

"  Yes,  I've  found  out  the  truth  of  that  proverb," 
answered  Stokes,  with  a  sinister  smile  that  Hunt 
did  not  notice.  "  But  what  have  you  caught  ?  " 

"  Only  fifteen  thousand,"  said  Hunt,  with  a 
short  laugh.  "  Here  is  the  morning  paper;  I  have 
to  go  out  on'  the  street  for  an  hour.  Will  you 
amuse  yourself  till  I  return?  I  want  to  talk  over 
matters  pretty  freely  before  you  leave  for  New 
York." 

"  That  is  not  a  bad  haul  in  these  times.  Don't 
hurry  ;  I'll  wait." 

After  Hunt  went  out,  Stokes  called  in  the 
cashier,  and  knowing  that  he  had  invested  money 
in  their  present  venture,  began  giving  a  glowing 
description  of  their  prospects  of  success,  and  by 
skillful  questions  drew  from  him  nearly  the  whole 
history  of  Hunt's  position  with  the  bank,  as  he  sup 
posed  that  Stokes  was  fully  in  Hunt's  confidence. 
When  Hunt  returned,  Stokes  looked  up  over  his 
paper  and  said  quietly,  "  I  had  an  audience  with 
Miss  Ada,  this  morning." 

"  Indeed  !     I  hope  you  were  favorably  received." 

"As  much  so  as  I  could  hope.  I  think  it  only 
a  question  of  time,  as  in  your  case  with  Miss  Earle. 
Or  is  that  an  acknowledged  fact  ?  By  the  way,  I 
took  it  for  granted,  and  the  other  day,  when  one 
of  those  old  brokers  on  Wall  Street  was  doubting 


PLOTS  AND  COUNTER-PLOTS.  271 

your  ability  to  carry  so  much  of  this  stock,  as  your 
coal  business  was  at  a  dead-lock,  I  told  him  that 
you  had  made  largely  in  oil  a  few  years  ago,  and 
as  you  were  expecting  soon  to  marry  the  other 
heiress,  Miss  Earle,  both  the  rich  uncles  might  be 
backing  you  up.  I  saw  that  shot  told,  and  it 
helped  us  even  more  than  I  hoped." 

"  Capital !  Stokes.  You  couldn't  have  made  a 
better  hit.  Though  I  have  not  yet  secured  my 
bird,  all  things  look  favorable.  She  is  shy,  as  you 
will  find  Ada,  but  there  is  some  excitement  in  the 
pursuit,  if  they  don't  stoop  too  readily  to  your 
lure.  Believe  me,  old  fellow,  I  will  do  all  I  can  to 
advance  your  cause.  I  am  a  sort  of  guardian,  at 
least  of  what  little  property  she  has.  I  suppose 
you  know  she  is  not  rich  ?  " 

"  That  is  no  objection  with  me.  I  am  not  such 
a  mercenary  boy  as  you  are.  How  you  could  turn 
from  her  to  such  a  little  chit  as  that  Miss  Earle,  I 
can't  understand." 

Hunt's  face  flushed  under  Stokes's  keen  gaze,  as 
he  replied  carelessly,  "  It  is  well  we  don't  all  think 
alike,  and,  to  own  the  truth,  I  can't  afford  to  marry 
a  poor  girl." 

Stokes  fully  believed  that  last  clause.  "  But 
come,"  continued  Hunt;  "we  must  not  let  these 
fascinating  creatures  absorb  all  our  thoughts,  or 
business  will  suffer." 

During   the   conversation   that  followed,  Hunt 


272  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

spoke  freely  of  their  plans  and  prospects,  and  when 
he  parted  with  Stokes,  felt  that  he  could  not  have 
placed  his  affairs  in  the  hands  of  a  man  more  bound 
by  every  consideration  to  serve  his  interests,  or 
more  capable  of  doing  it. 


A   NARROW  ESCAPE.  273 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

A   NARROW    ESCAPE. 

HEN  Mr.  Butler  returned  home,  having 
completed  his  business  with  Hunt,  it  was 
his  intention  to  visit  Andrew  Fuller  on 
the  mountain  at  once,  and  relieve  his 
mind  from  anxiety  about  his  mother  and  their 
future  prospects.  But  a  cold,  disagreeable  change 
in  the  weather  convinced  him  that  further  expo 
sure  might  prove  dangerous  to  his  weak  lungs,  and 
he  reluctantly  yielded  to  his  wife's  persuasions  to 
let  Graham  bear  the  good  tidings  to  Fuller. 

Before  Graham  left  the  house,  he  stepped  into 
the  nursery  where  Grace  and  Julia  were  seated, 
and  said  to  the  former,  "  I  find  that  I  shall  have  to 
forego  the  pleasure  of  attending  that  concert  with 
you,  ladies,  to-night.  There  is  so  much  turbulence 
among  the  miners  that  Malcome  is  obliged  to 
remain  at  the  colliery  at  night  to  keep  all  things 
safe,  and  I  have  promised  to  take  care  of  poor 
Fuller.  They  have  moved  him  to  Malcome's  cot 
tage,  and  I  hope  that  he  will  be  benefited  by  the 
change," 


274  FORGING  THEIR  OWN  CHAINS. 

Graham  addressed  his  regrets  to  Grace,  but 
looked  at  Julia  as  if  anxious  that  she  should  under 
stand  that  it  was  only  a  stern  necessity  that  kept 
him  from  fulfilling  his  previous  engagement.  Julia 
was  playing  with  her  little  nephew  in  the  window- 
seat,  and  turning  stood  looking  out  as  if  she  had 
not  heard  his  words. 

As  she  watched  him  drive  away  she  said  to  her 
self,  "  It  is  easy  to  tell  what  makes  the  call  of  duty 
so  strong  at  Malcome's  cottage.  No  doubt,  Annie 
Malcome  will  help  him  keep  watch.  Why  else 
should  this  Fuller  possess  so  strong  a  claim  upon 
him,  that  he  must  needs  give  up  an  engagement 
made  a  week  ago?  I  don't  doubt  that  dozens  of 
nurses  could  be  obtained  for  one  night.  I  can't 
understand  how  a  man  of  Graham's  education  and 
refinement  could  become  attached  to  a  girl  in  that 
class.  But  if  he  does  like  her,  why  not  come  out 
fairly  and  honestly  and  say  so  ?  Why  try  to  cover 
his  actions  in  that  clandestine  fashion  ?  Perhaps 
he  thinks  that  it  will  hurt  his  position  here.  I  was 
goose  enough  to  believe,  the  night  of  the  flood,  that 
he  really  ran  some  risk  for  my  sake.  Now  I  see 
that  it  was  to  ingratiate  himself  in  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Butler's  good  graces,  and  he  is  still  pretending  to 
serve  Mr.  Butler  in  caring  for  Fuller,  when  it  suits 
his  own  pleasure  so  well.  I  laughed  at  the  idea 
when  'Lizzie  Jones,  soon  after  I  got  her  a  place  at 
Mrs.  Butler's,  told  me  that  it  was  the  general  report 


A   NARROW  ESCAPE.  275 

among  the  miners  that  Mr.  Graham  was  Annie 
Malcome's  sweetheart,  and  that  is  why  he  was  so 
interested  in  their  Sunday-school. 

"  I  believe  that  these  men  are  all  alike.  There's 
not  one  that  you  can  feel  sure  does  not  act  from  in 
terested  motives.  If  Mr.  Hunt  asks  me  to  go  with 
him  to-night,  I  shall  accept.  It  looks  so  stormy 
that  Grace  and  Ada  won't  go.  But  one  can't  be 
moping  in  the  house  all  the  time,  and  there  is  some 
excitement  in  his  attentions.  He  seems  about  as 
aboveboard  and  honorable  as  the  average,  and  he 
is  certainly  very  handsome  and  agreeable.  I  don't 
know  but  on  the  whole  I  had  better  accept  him  as 
a  permanency." 

But  as  Julia  sat  busy  with  her  needle,  by  a  strange 
persistency  her  thoughts  kept  reverting  to  the 
experiences  of  Easter  Sunday  and  the  night  of  the 
flood.  Then  came  tantalizing  pictures  of  Graham 
and  Annie  sitting  together  in  the  cheerful  little 
room  where  she  had  first  seen  her.  The  other 
accessories  of  the  picture,  the  sick  man  and  blind 
mother,  did  not  enter  her  vision.  Yet  if  any  one 
had  suggested  it,  she  would  have  scorned  the 
thought  that  Graham  had  the  power  to  arouse  her 
jealousy.  She  was  disappointed  in  him.  He  had 
seemed  such  a  fine  character,  yet  here  she  had  dis 
covered  him  pretending  to  one  motive  when  he  was 
actuated  by  another. 

At  dinner  Hunt  asked  how  many  were  going  to 


276  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

the  concert  that  night  ?  Julia  immediately  declared 
herself  ready.  Grace  expostulated,  and  said  that  it 
was  beginning  to  storm.  She  and  Frank  would  not 
go,  and  Ada  had  been  complaining  of  a  cold  and 
ought  not  to  venture. 

"  That  is  no  reason  why  Miss  Earle  and  I  should 
remain  at  home,"  replied  Hunt ;  "  in  a  close  car 
riage,  we  will  not  be  exposed." 

Here  was  an  opportunity  to  press  his  suit  with 
Julia  that  he  was  resolved  not  to  lose,  as  she  showed 
no  reluctance  to  accompany  him.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Butler  felt  very  uneasy.  Both  had  become  strongly 
attached  to  Julia,  and  they  could  not  bear  to  see 
her  fall  into  the  toils  of  a  man  they  felt  so  utterly 
unprincipled  as  Hunt  ;  yet  in  what  way  could  they 
prove  to  her  how  unworthy  he  was  ?  It  was  there 
fore  a  relief  when  they  heard  Ada  say,  "  I  intend 
to  go  to-night,  unless  Henry  feels  that  the  care  of 
two  ladies  is  more  than  he  can  undertake,  or  that 
I  shall  be  de  trop.  I  am  very  anxious  to  hear  this 
concert,  and  if  we  ride  in  a  close  carriage  there 
need  be  no  risk." 

Hunt  was  exceedingly  vexed,  but  seeing  a  look 
in  Ada's  eyes  that  showed  that  her  jealousy  was 
fully  aroused,  he  did  not  dare  provoke  it  further. 
So  in  his  usual  light  fashion  he  replied,  "  Surely  Ada, 
you  ought  to  know  that  my  gallantry  is  equal  to  all 
demands.  I  do  not  think  you  will  be  exposed.  Of 
course  you  are  the  best  judge  of  what  is  prudent." 


A   NARROW  ESCAPE.  277 

"  Come,  Ada,  go  by  all  means.  I  shall  not  unless 
you  do,"  said  Julia,  who  longed  for  the  change  and 
excitement,  yet  when  it  came  to  a  decision  did  not 
care  to  venture  alone  with  Hunt.  He  saw  that 
there  was  no  use  remonstrating,  and  that  he  must 
wait  a  more  favorable  opportunity.  He  had  set 
himself  a  very  difficult  task,  that  of  courting  one 
young  lady  while  he  kept  up  the  impression  with 
another  in  the  same  house  that  he  really  loved  her, 
and  that  his  attentions  to  her  rival  were  a  blind 
only  to  his  real  sentiments.  But  he  was  a  natural 
courtier,  and  each  girl  thought  by  the  time  they 
returned  home,  that  she  was  the  one  he  was  seeking 
to  win. 

As  Ada  watched  Julia  enter  her  room,  she 
congratulated  herself  on  having  out-maneuvered 
her  that  time  ;  and  as  she  recalled  the  compliments 
Hunt  had  paid  to  her  appearance,  and  the  undis 
guised  admiration  that  had  greeted  her  on  all  sides, 
she  could  not  believe  that  he  would  turn  from  her 
to  such  an  insignificant  rival,  especially  as  she  was 
helping  him  to  gain  the  wealth  he  was  so  ambitious 
to  secure.  But  she  was  made  conscious,  by  symp 
toms  of  a  violent  cold,  that  she  had  gained  her 
advantage  that  night  at  a  very  imprudent  risk. 

Julia  felt  thirsty,  and  finding  no  ice-water  in  her 
room,  went  down  to  the  dining-room.  Hunt  had 
not  yet  retired,  and  followed  her,  saying  :  "  Miss 
Julia,  it  is  early  yet ;  won't  you  sit  down  here  by 


278  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

the  fire  and  have  a  little  talk  ?  It  is  so  seldom  one 
can  get  a  chance  to  say  a  word,  without  an  audi 
ence  to  condemn  or  applaud,  the  house  is  so  full 
now." 

"  Do  you  suppose  that  I  will  listen  if  neither  of 
those  privileges  are  granted  me  ?  " 

"  Surely  you  won't  condemn  me,"  said  Hunt, 
approaching  the  side-board  where  she  still  stood. 
"  I  was  sorely  disappointed  that  we  couldn't  go 
alone  to  the  concert.  Ada  was  more  de  trop  than 
she  could  imagine.  I  had  much  that  I  wanted  to 
say  to  you  ;  now  I  hardly  know  how  to  put  it  into 
words." 

He  paused  a  moment  and  looked  at  her  steadily, 
as,  with  drooping  eyes  and  flushed  face,  half  averted, 
she  stood  near  the  door. 

"  I  have  secured  her  now,"  he  thought ;  "  I  have 
only  to  speak  the  talismanic  word,  and  the  golden 
treasure  will  drop  into  my  grasp.'' 

Julia's  thoughts  were  rapid,  too.  Suspecting 
what  the  next  sentence  might  be,  she  said  to 
herself:  "  I  don't  know  but  I  had  better  say 
yes.  All  the  ladies,  and  gentlemen  also,  at  the 
concert  to-night  seemed  eager  to  gain  his  atten 
tion.  It  would  please  Grace  and  Frank,  and  make 
Ada  furious  ;  she  is  so  vain  of  her  beauty,  and  sure 
of  her  cousin's  love."  Then  suddenly  she  seemed 
to  be  standing  on  Mr.  Butler's  balcony,  with 
Graham  holding  her  hand  as  she  looked  down  on 


A   NARROW  ESCAPE.  279 

the  black  water  and  grinding  ice.  But  again  the 
thought  stung  her  that  he  was  even  then  with  the 
woman  he  loved.  He  had  never  cared  for  her. 

How  the  struggle  would  have  ended  was  left  an 
unsolved  problem,  for  Mr.  Butler,  fearing  mischief, 
had  remained  up.  Sitting  in  the  library,  he  had 
witnessed  this  scene  through  the  glass  door,  and 
felt  it  time  to  make  a  diversion.  So  he  rose  from 
his  chair  with  considerable  noise,  and  stepped  into 
the  hall.  Julia  instantly  turned  and  met  him(  say 
ing:  "  O,  Mr.  Butler!  you  don't  know  what  you 
missed.  The  concert  was  very  fine,  and  all  the 
creme  de  la  creme  were  there." 

"  I  don't  doubt,  my  dear,  that  I  enjoyed  my 
cigar  in  the  library  still  more,  and  I  always  pre 
ferred  buttermilk  to  cream.  The  latter  seems 
slippery,  and  often  proves  sour  when  you  expect  it 
sweet." 

Julia  laughed,  as  running  up  stairs,  she  called 
back,  "  Good-night,  gentlemen.  Mr.  Butler,  you 
are  worse  than  Diogenes  in  his  tub." 

"  Confound  the  man,"  muttered  Hunt.  "  I  would 
like  to  kick  him  out  of  the  house." 

"  I  checkmated  him  that  time,"  chuckled  Butler 
as  he  followed  Julia. 

When  Graham  told  Fuller  what  Mr.  Butler,  had 
done  for  him,  he  could  hardly  find  words  to  ex 
press  his  relief  and  gratitude. 

"  Mother  often  used  to  want  us  to  seek  his  help," 


280  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

he  said,  "  but  I  always  felt  with  father,  that  it 
would  be  still  more  humiliating  and  of  no  advan 
tage.  Now,  if  my  life  is  spared,  I  shall  show  him 
that  I  know  how  to  appreciate  his  kindness,  and 
shall  strain  every  nerve  to  pay  the  interest,  till  I 
can  return  the  principal." 

"  You  see,  Fuller,  you  have  let  your  prejudices 
keep  from  you  all  this  time  the  good  offices  of  a 
true  friend.  Judging  by  your  manner,  I  have  been 
led  to  think  that  in  some  way,  I  have  gained  your 
dislike  also.  I  am  not  conscious  of  having  injured 
you,  and  although  I  cannot  prove  so  valuable  a 
friend,  I  am  certainly  as  sincere.  You  are  too  sen 
sible  a  man  to  include  me  in  your  just  aversion  to 
Hunt." 

Fuller  had  watched  very  closely  the  greeting 
between  Annie  and  Graham ;  she  was  prepared 
then,  and  their  friendly,  unembarrassed  manner 
convinced  Fuller  that  he  had  misjudged  both,  and 
that  it  would  be  better  frankly  to  tell  Graham  his 
real  reason. 

"  Mr.  Graham,"  he  replied,  "  I  believe  you  are 
right,  and  I  am  now  ashamed  of  my  suspicions.  I 
don't  know  that  you  are  aware  that  I  have  been  for 
some  time  paying  attention  to  Miss  Annie.  Not 
prospering  in  my  suit,  I  gave  credit  to  a  report 
that  you  were  my  successful  rival,  and,  moreover,  I 
believed  you  capable  of  trifling  with  her  loVe.  A 
jealous  man  is  seldom  just,  and  now  I  am  convinced 


A   NARROW  ESCAPE.  281 

that  I  had   no  ground   for  my  dislike,  and   I  beg 
your  pardon  for  my  surly  conduct  in  the  past." 

"  You  certainly  did  great  injustice  to  us  both. 
Miss  Malcome  and  I  are  true  friends,  but  nothing 
more  I  assure  you.  I  believe  once  Bridget  Maguire 
asked,  how  my  swate-heart,  Miss  Annie,  was? 
But  I  did  not  imagine  that  any  one  else  gave 
credence  to  such  fancies.  However,  as  you  say,  a 
man  looking  through  green  spectacles  must  be 
excused,  if  he  don't  see  clearly,  and  with  my  best 
wishes  for  your  success  take  this  old  advice, 
'  Faint  heart  nevei  won  fair  lady.'  ' 

Hearing  a  tap  at  the  door,  Graham  went  to  it, 
and  admitting  Annie  with  Fuller's  tea  quietly  step 
ped  into  the  next  room.  Fuller  seeing  that  they 
were  alone  took  her  hand,  as  she  came  up  to  his 
bed,  saying:  "Miss  Annie,  you  showed  so  much 
sympathy  for  me  in  my  trouble  that  I  know  you 
will  rejoice  when  you  hear  the  good  news  Mr. 
Graham  has  brought  me." 

After  relating  what  Mr.  Butler  had  done,  he  said 
with  deep  feeling :  "  Now,  I  can  truly  thank  God 
for  sparing  my  life,  and  I  hope  to  prove  to  all  my 
friends  that  I  am  not  ungrateful." 

"  O  Andrew !  I  am  so  glad.  You  couldn't  have 
a  truer  friend  than  Mr.  Butler." 

"  Yes,  there  is  no  bitterness  now  in  being  under 
obligation  to  him.  I  shall  pay  him  back  the  money 
if  I  get  my  health  again,  but  I  shall  never  forget 


282  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

how  opportunely  and  kindly  the  help  came.  There 
is  only  one  wish  of  my  heart  ungratified.  Dear 
Annie,  do  you  think  it  will  ever  come?  " 

Annie's  face  flushed  scarlet  as  Fuller  pressed  her 
hand  to  his  lips,  before  she  could  draw  it  away. 
He  did  not  urge  an  answer,  but  the  gentle  manner 
with  which  she  finished  her  arrangements  for  his 
comfort  made  him  feel  that  she  was  not  seriously 
offended.  She  left  the  room  by  another  door,  as 
Graham  entered. 

Fuller  began  questioning  him  about  the  miners, 
but  Graham  refused  to  answer,  saying  that  "  he 
had  talked  enough,  and  must  go  to  sleep,  or  at 
least  make  the  attempt." 

Fuller  insisted  that  that  was  impossible,  but 
before  an  hour  passed,  he  sank  into  the  first  quiet 
slumber  he  had  enjoyed  since  the  accident. 


FRESH  DANGERS   THREATEN.  283 


CHAPTER  XX. 

FRESH   DANGERS   THREATEN. 

ARLY  that  evening  Ned  Malcome  made 
all  things  safe  about  the  breaker,  having 
procured  an  extra  police  force,  as  he  had 
been  warned  that  a  party  of  raiders  were 
threatening  to  drive  off  the  pump-men. 

As  night  came  on,  dark  with  a  driving  snow 
storm,  he  made  a  fire  in  his  little  office  and  settled 
himself  before  it,  with  his  book,  to  while  away  the 
long  hours.  He  had  been  seated  but  a  short  time 
when  there  came  a  low  tap  at  his  door.  Rising 
and  taking  his  loaded  pistol,  he  cautiously  opened 
it,  and  saw  to  his  surprise  Bessie  Walker  and  her 
brother,  a  lad  of  fifteen,  standing  before  him. 

He  was  about  to  speak,  but  placing  her  finger  on 
her  lips,  they  stepped  quickly  in,  and  telling  him 
to  lock  the  door  and  drop  the  shade  over  the  win 
dow,  she  threw  back  her  wet  cloak  and  said, 
"  Don't  be  alarmed,  Ned.  You  are  not  in  danger 
this  time.  But  some  one  else  is.  I  did  not  dare 
write,  and  Jack  was  willing  to  come  with  me.  No 
one  must  know  that  I  am  here." 


284  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

"  Dear  Bessie,"  he  exclaimed,  as  he  drew  her  up 
to  the  fire,  "  am  I  never  to  see  you,  except  when 
danger  threatens?  It  has  been  a  bitter  struggle  to 
keep  away  from  you  all  these  weeks ;  and  now  I 
can  hardly  believe  that  it  is  anything  more  than 
your  wraith  that  has  come  to  nestle  so  close  to  my 
heart  this  wild,  stormy  night.  Speak  to  me,  dar 
ling.  Is  it  any  danger  that  threatens  you  ?  " 

"  O  Malcome !  I  have  been  so  distressed,  so 
perplexed  as  to  what  I  ought  to  do,"  cried  Bessie, 
bursting  into  tears.  Malcome  soothed  her  with  a 
lover's  caresses  and  when  she  regained  self-control 
seated  her  in  a  camp-chair,  saying,  "  There,  Jack,  is 
another  for  you.  I  will  make  a  cup  of  tea  to  warm 
you  after  this  long  cold  walk.  Then  you  can  tell 
me  all,  and  if  it  is  in  human  power  to  help,  you 
may  be  sure  I  will  do  my  utmost."  But  suddenly 
pausing  and  turning  quickly,  he  asked,  "  You 
haven't  consented  to  marry  Bill  McQuaid,  Bessie  ?  " 

"  Oh  no,  Ned  ;  I  would  die  first.  It  is  not  that ; 
we  are  all  to  be  turned  out  on  the  street,  and  father 
will  lose  what  little  he  has,  or  crime  will  be  com 
mitted.  It  is  this  last  danger  especially,  that 
brings  me  here." 

"  Whom  does  it  threaten  ?  " 

"  Mr.  Hunt.  Sit  down  and  listen.  We  have  no 
time  for  tea,  some  one  may  come.  As  I  said,  no 
one  must  know  I'm  here.  To  understand,  you 
must  hear  the  whole  story.  It  is  a  plot  to  be  car- 


FRESH  DANGERS  THREATEN.  285 

ried  out  next  week,  but  I  could  not  tell  when  I 
could  get  a  better  chance  to  see  you." 

"  You  are  a  brave,  noble  girl  to  run  all  this  risk 
to  save  him.  But  as  you  say,  I  must  hear  all,  to 
comprehend  how  he  is  involved." 

"  Honestly,  Ned,  I  must  acknowledge  that  I 
didn't  come  here  for  his  sake,"  she  answered,  as 
her  eyes  fell  beneath  his  loving  gaze  ;  but  lifting 
them  instantly,  with  a  flash  of  anger,  she  continued, 
"  I  believe  that  he  deserves  punishment,  and  if  it 
wasn't  for  the  consequence  to  others,  I'd  leave  him 
to  his  fate.  I  don't  suppose  you  know,  that  sev 
eral  years  ago  he  induced  father,  with  some  other 
depositors  in  the  Oquago  Bank,  to  take  shares  in  a 
railroad  of  which  he  was  a  director.  He  sold  out 
all  his  to  them,  when  he  knew  it  was  worthless.  Of 
course  father  lost  what  he  put  in.  He  had  a  note 
for  two  thousand  in  the  bank,  which  came  due,  and 
not  being  able  to  meet  it,  Mr.  Hunt  took  a  mort 
gage  for  that  amount  on  our  store.  Since  the 
strike  it  has  been  very  hard  to  raise  the  interest. 
The  time  was  up,  and  Mr.  Hunt  told  father  that  he 
must  have  the  money  or  foreclose.  Father  has 
been  trying  his  best  to  raise  it  somehow,  or  sell  his 
place  for  anything  like  what  he  ought  to  get ;  but 
you  know  every  one  is  pressed,  and  money  is  not 
to  be  had.  He  begged  uncle  Sam  to  help  him.  He 
has  no  family,  and  is  benefited  by  the  strike,  while 
poor  father  only  loses.  But  uncle  Sam  said  he 


2 86  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

couldn't  and  wouldn't  help  him  that  way.  Hunt 
had  played  this  cheating  game  long  enough,  and 
it  was  time  they  had  their  revenge.  I  heard  him 
say  that,  and  last  night  when  I  saw  Bill  McQuaid 
and  some  other  roughs  in  the  store,  I  suspected 
that  mischief  was  plotting,  and  that  father,  feeling 
so  desperate,  might  be  drawn  in. 

"  They  usually  go  to  talk  in  a  place  behind  the 
store,  where  empty  barrels  are  kept.  I  crept  into 
the  loft  overhead,  and  removing  the  tin  cover  from 
an  old  pipe-hole,  crouched  down  by  it,  and  heard 
all  that  was  said. 

"  Three  or  four  men  besides  McQuaid,  Uncle 
Sam,  and  father  were  there.  One  they  called 
Harris,  a  bad,  dissipated  fellow,  told  with  awful 
oaths  how  Hunt  had  ruined  him,  and  got  hold  of 
his  father-in-law,  old  John  Fuller's  property,  and 
driven  the  old  man  to  drown  himself.  He  said 
that  most  people  thought  his  death  was  an  accident. 
But  he  had  met  him  by  his  mill  the  night  of  the 
flood,  and  when  he  asked  him  for  a  little  help 
saying  he  had  had  nothing  to  eat  or  drink  all  day, 
old  Fuller  talked  like  a  crazy  man,  and  said,  that 
he  and  Hunt  had  driven  him  to  despair  ;  that  the 
next  day  they  would  all  be  without  anything  to 
eat  and  drink,  or  any  cover  for  their  heads.  He 
wouldn't  live  to  see  it,  but  they  were  his  murderers  ; 
and  with  that  as  the  ice  crashed  against  the  old 
mill,  tearing  it  away,  Fuller  sprang  with  a  fearful 


FRESH  DANGERS    THREATEN.  287 

cry  right  into  the  midst,  and  he  saw  his  body 
whirled  around,  and  tossed  over  and  over  with  the 
ice.  O  Ned,  as  he  described  it,  I  could  hardly 
keep  from  screaming.  Then  with  another  terrible 
oath  he  said,  '  I  was  an  honest,  sober  man,  till  Hunt 
dazzled  me  with  visions  of  becoming  rich,  without 
hard  steady  work.  Now  I'm  a  miserable  wretch, 
who  would  sell  his  soul  for  a  dram.  But  true  as 
Gospel,  Hunt  murdered  the  old  man  !  Let  us  have 
revenge." 

"  Uncle  Sam  then  told  how  he  had  heard  that 
Hunt  was  going  to  bring  men  from  elsewhere  to 
start  up  the  mines,  and  if  the  resident  miners 
didn't  go  to  work  by  the  first  of  May,  every  one 
would  be  turned  out  of  their  houses. 

"  Bill  McQuaid  was  in  favor  of  a  sudden  attack 
upon  Hunt.  He  said  that  there  were  business 
meetings  next  week,  which  would  keep  Hunt  in 
town  till  late  in  the  evening.  The  nights. would  be 
dark.  A  quantity  of  ice  was  still  left  by  the  side 
of  the  way.  It  was  a  lonely  road  and  five  or  six 
men  could  secrete  themselves  there  and  shoot  at 
him  as  he  rode  by,  then  escape  to  the  woods,  be 
fore  any  one  could  come  to  the  rescue.  He 
believed  that  with  Hunt  out  of  the  way,  they  could 
bring  Gordon  to  terms. 

"  Uncle  Sam  thought  well  of  the  plan,  but  father 
tried  to  oppose  it,  and  said  that  he  did  not  see 
how  this  would  help  him  ;  Mr.  Gordon  would  take 


288  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

it  up,  and  suspicion  fasten  right  on  him  and  Uncle 
Sam. 

(  But  the  others  urged  that  it  could  be  done,  and 
nc  evidence  could  be  brought  against  any  one. 
Mr.  Gordon  was  a  timid  man,  and  would  be  too 
frightened  to  act  promptly. 

"  Uncle  Sam  agreed,  and  urged  that  this  act 
would  give  them  time  to  get  help  from  elsewhere. 
They  had  been  executing  justice  upon  offending 
'  black-legs.'  It  was  time  now  for  the  real  tyrants 
to  feel  their  power  to  avenge  wrongs.  Many  of  the 
miners  were  becoming  anxious  to  go  to  work  at 
the  reduction,  and  if  they  saw  their  places  likely  to 
be  filled  by  outsiders,  they  would  submit  in  such 
numbers  that  resistance  would  be  over,  and  the 
long  strike  of  no  use  after  all.  The  welfare  of  the 
majority  demanded  that  this  effort  should  be  made. 
Neither  he  nor  father  need  know  who  fired  the 
shots,  or  when  the  attack  was  made,  and  if  ques 
tioned,  they  could  swear  that  they  were  ignorant. 

"  After  a  good  deal  more  talk,  the  plot  was  laid 
for  the  first  dark  night  next  week  that  he  comes 
home  late.  I  got  permission  of  mother  to  spend 
to-night  with  Ella  Peterson  near  here.  Jack  was 
good  enough  to  steal  away  and  come  with  me. 

"  Now,  what  can  we  do  ?  I  am  afraid  to  have 
you  give  warning  to  Mr.  Hunt,  for  it  may  turn 
their  revenge  on  you.  Father  don't  want  to  do 
this,  but  you  see,  he  is  driven  to  desperation.  He 


FRESH  DANGERS   THREATEN.  289 

has  been  going  around  pale  as  a  ghost  to-day,  and 
so  cross  that  we  didn't  dare  speak  to  him." 

Malcome  leaned  forward  and  looked  steadily  in 
the  fire  for  some  time,  then  said,  "  Bessie,  I  see 
only  one  way  out  of  this  trouble.  Two  wrongs 
never  make  a  right.  Though,  as  you  say,  Hunt 
really  deserves  punishment,  yet  these  acts  of  vio 
lence  among  the  worst  class  of  miners  only  bring 
disgrace  and  additional  suffering  upon  those  who 
are  struggling  honestly  for  justice  and  an  honorable 
self-support.  I  will  tell  you  what  I  can  do.  I  have 
a  little  over  two  thousand  dollars  deposited  in  the 
savings  bank.  I  will  give  you  a  check  for  the 
amount  your  father  needs.  You  can  give  it  to  him 
and  say  that  I  will  trust  him  till  he  can  pay  me  back. 

"  It  was  the  little  hoard  I  was  saving  to  enable 
me  to  support  my  wife,  but,  Bessie,  this  use  of  it 
may  do  more  to  bring  us  together  in  the  end.  If 
my  life  and  health  is  spared,  I  can  make  a  comfor 
table  living  for  those  dependent  on  me.  If  your 
father  makes  any  difficulties  about  accepting  this, 
tell  him  that  we  both  know  of  the  plot,  and  will 
expose  them.  He  can  free  himself  from  Hunt,  and 
give  him  warning  of  the  danger,  anonymously  if  he 
chooses,  for  I  don't  believe  that  he  could  prevent 
the  attack,  if  they  had  a  chance." 

"  O  Ned !  I  can't  bear  to  take  your  hard 
earnings.  It  doesn't  seem  right." 

"  Dearie,"  he  whispered,  stooping  down  and  kiss- 
13 


290  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

ing  her  trembling  lips;  "you  know  the  money 
was  made  for  you.  It  can  only  be  used  as  will 
serve  you  best." 

Malcome  thought  that  the  eloquent  thanks  that 
were  expressed  in  the  soft  brown  eyes  lifted  to  his, 
were  worth  a  million  dollars,  if  he  had  it  to  give. 

But  springing  up,  she  exclaimed,  "  Father  cannot 
prove  ungrateful  to  such  generosity.  Ned,  I  must 
go.  It  will  be  easy  walking  back,  I  won't  have 
such  a  heavy  heart  to  carry.  I  couldn't  endure 
the  thought  that  father  should  be  led  into  this 
crime.  He  has  been  unjust  to  you,  but,  dear  Mal 
come,  it  was  all  Uncle  Sam's  fault.  Now  I  hope 
father  will  believe  me,  when  I  say  that  he  is  a  deep, 
designing  man,  pretending  to  serve  father  and  the 
poor  miners,  when  he  only  cares  for  his  own  posi 
tion  and  influence.  He  and  Mr.  Hunt  are  twin 
brothers  in  character,  and  I  would  like  to  see  them 
both  get  their  deserts." 

"  They  will  get  it  some  time,  Bessie.  I  under 
stand  your  father's  position  ;  it  is  that  which  has 
held  me  back  more  than  anything  else.  I  am  a 
determined  Scotchman,  as  you  know,  and  but  mor 
tal  in  my  temper.  I  knew  that  if  your  father  or 
Uncle  Sam  taunted  me  as  a  '  black-leg,'  there  might 
be  bitter  words,  if  nothing  more.  I  knew  that  I 
could  trust  to  your  fidelity  and  love  in  these  dark 
days,  and  if  the  bright  ones  ever  came,  our  patience 
and  forbearance  would  cause  us  no  regret.  I  don't 


FRESH  DANGERS   THREATEN.  291 

know  how  to  let  you  go  out  in  this  storm  alone," 
he  added,  taking  his  bank-book  and  writing  the 
check. 

"  Oh  !  don't  worry  about  that.  Jack  is  a  faith 
ful  little  brother.  He  shall  bring  you  word  to 
morrow  of  my  failure  or  success.  But,  Malcome,  I 
must  go." 

Releasing  her  from  his  arms,  with  a  sigh,  he 
watched  her  and  her  brother  glide  away,  like  dark 
shadows  over  the  snow,  the  falling  flakes  fast 
covering  their  tracks. 


292  FORGING  THEIR  OWN  CHAINS. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 

UNMASKED. 

HEN  Graham  returned  to  Cedar  Ridge 
the  next  day  to  give  his  report,  he  went 
directly  to  Mr.  Butler's  room,  and  found 
Julia  sitting  there,  having  a  merry  chat 
with  the  old  gentleman. 

"  Did  you  attend  the  concert  last  night,  Miss 
Earle  ?  "  he  asked,  after  the  morning  salutations  had 
passed. 

"  Yes,  Mr.  Hunt  was  kind  enough  to  act  as 
escort,"  she  replied  coldly. 

Graham  looked  very  sober,  as  he  turned  to  Mr. 
Butler,  and  told  of  Fuller's  appreciation  of  the 
kindness  shown  him,  and  his  determination  as  soon 
as  possible  to  pay  interest,  till  he  could  return  the 
principal. 

"  How  is  he  now?     Will  he  be  about  soon?" 

"  It  will  be  some  weeks,  sir,  before  he  can  walk. 
But  with  a  relieved  mind,  and  Annie  Malcome's 
good  care,  I  don't  think  there  is  any  further  cause 
for  anxiety  on  his  account." 

Julia  was  pretending  to  listen  to  Mrs.  Butler's 


UNMASKED.  293 

directions  about  her  knitting,  but  was  in  fact  all 
attention  to  the  low  conversation  the  other  side  of 
the  room. 

"Ah!  "  exclaimed  the  old  gentleman.  "I  have 
heard  that  Fuller  was  quite  interested  there.  That 
would  be  a  capital  match.  Does  the  lady  smile 
upon  him?  " 

"  Well,  sir,  I've  not  seen  them  together,  for  last 
night  when  she  came  in  the  room  I  stepped  out.  I 
fancied  that  Fuller  had  told  her  of  his  trouble  and 
might  like  to  let  her  know  how  you  had  relieved 
him.  I  think  the  signs  are  propitious." 

"  But  what  could  her  blind  mother  do  without 
her?" 

"  Oh  !  Malcome  will  soon  bring  his  wife  home.  I 
suppose  you  know  who  Bessie  Walker  is  ?  " 

"  Yes,  and  by-the-by,  I  heard  a  report  that  Hunt 
had  got  her  father  in  a  tight  place  too." 

"  Oh,  I  hope  not !  But  I  must  be  off  to  the  break 
ers.  Mr.  Gordon  left  word  that  he  would  be  there 
by  noon,  and  wanted  to  see  me.  It  is  "nearly  that 
now." 

Julia  sprang  up  with  sparkling  eyes,  and  approach 
ing  Graham,  asked:  "  Is  there  anything  that  I  can 
do  for  the  sick  man's  comfort?" 

"  Nothing  now,  Miss  Julia,"  he  replied,  surprised 
at  the  sudden  change  in  her  manner.  "  Oh,  I  nearly 
forgot  a  little  rosebud  Mary  Malone  picked  for  you. 
I  stopped  there  a  moment  this  morning,  and  she 


294  FORGING   THEIR  OWN  CHAINS. 

said  that  it  was  the  first  on  the  bush  you  gave  her, 
but  that  three  more  were  coming." 

He  took  it  from  his  pocket,  and  carefully 
unwrapping  the  cotton  about  it,  presented  it  with 
a  smile  that  so  changed  his  face,  that  Julia  thought 
he  did  not  look  like  the  same  man  who  was 
talking  to  Mr.  Butler  a  moment  before. 

"  Thank  you,"  she  said,  "  I  will  put  it  in  water  at 
once ;  to-night  you  will  see  it  fairly  open."  And 
she  gave  him  an  equally-bright  smile,  as  he  passed 
out.  As  soon  as  he  was  gone,  she  turned  sharply 
on  Mr.  Butler,  and  asked,  "  What  has  Mr.  Hunt 
done?" 

"  My  child,  after  what  I  happened  to  see  last 
night,  I  am  not  sure  but  if  I  tell  you,  you  will  be 
seriously  offended  ?" 

"  With  him  or  you,  sir?" 

"  With  me.  A  girl  does  not  like  to  hear  ill  of 
her  lover." 

"  He  is  not  my  lover  yet,  so  I  insist  that  you  tell 
me  what  wrong  he  has  done." 

"  Yes,  Julia,  I  said  to  my  husband  that  it  would 
not  be  right  for  us  to  leave  here  without  warning 
you  against  him,"  said  Mrs.  Butler. 

"  But  what  has  he  done  ?  "  cried  Julia  impatiently 
tapping  the  floor  with  her  little  slipper. 

"  Driven  a  poor  old  man,  when  Hunt  himself  had 
been  the  means  of  involving  him,  to  suicide,  by 
cruel  pressure  upon  him,  when  he  knew  he  was 


UNMASKED.  295 

helpless.  And  if  I  hadn't  happened  to  have  dis 
covered  his  deviltry,  old  Mrs.  Fuller,  and  her  help 
less  family  would  to-day  have  been  turned  out  of 
doors,  without  shelter  or  money  to  procure  it,"  said 
Mr.  Butler  sternly. 

"  What !  in  this  driving  storm  ?  O  Mr.  Butler ! 
what  did  you  do  ?  " 

Butler  hesitated  a  moment,  as  he  looked  out  at 
the  whirling  drifts.  But  his  wife,  with  a  proud, 
loving  gaze,  replied,  "  He  went  to  see  Mrs.  Fuller 
that  dark  night,  as  soon  as  he  heard  of  Andrew's 
accident,  almost  at  the  risk  of  his  life,  and  then 
paid  Mr.  Hunt's  mortgage.  So  that  now  they 
are  relieved  and  taken  care  of  till  Andrew  recov 
ers." 

"  But  why  did  you  pay  him?"  asked  Julia  indig 
nantly  of  Mr.  Butler. 

"  To  save  Mrs.  Fuller,  who  was  my  old  child 
hood's  friend." 

"  But  he  deserves  to  be  denounced  as  a  mur 
derer.  I  would  have  proclaimed  his  villainy  to  the 
world.  Yet  for  all  I  can  see,  you  treat  him  with 
the  same  courtesy  you  did  a  week  ago.  Really, 
Mr.  Butler,  I  did  not  think  you  would  seek  to 
cover  up,  or  submit  to  let  a  criminal  act  go  unpun 
ished,  no  matter  what  the  man's  position." 

"Hold!  hold!  little  lady.  You  go  off  like 
nitro-glycerine.  Suppose  I  couldn't  prove  any 
thing  against  him  ?  ". 


296  FORGING  THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

"  Why  !  isn't  this  true  that  you  have  told  me, 
and  don't  you  call  it  a  crime?" 

"  Morally,  yes.  But,  legally,  he  had  the  right 
to  foreclose.  I  have  no  proof  that  he  cheated 
either  Fuller's  son-in-law,  or  the  old  man.  There 
are  plenty  of  Avays  by  which  a  sharp  speculator 
can  involve  the  unwary,  and  make  money  while 
they  lose,  yet  keep  within  the  limits  of  the  law. 
I  did  the  only  thing  I  could  under  the  circum 
stances.  But  Hunt  knows  that  he  has  a  danger 
ous  enemy  on  his  track  now.  And  if  he  attempts 
any  open  rascality,  he'll  find  I  will  be  first  to  bring 
the  penalty  upon  him." 

"  Excuse  me,  Mr.  Butler.  I  see  that,  as  usual, 
I  was  too  hasty.  But  this  you  have  said  confirms 
suspicions  I  had  some  time  ago  of  Mr.  Hunt  and 
his  connection  with  that  Mr.  Stokes.  I  believe  he 
is  planning  something  now  with  that  man,  who  is 
even  more  unscrupulous  than  he." 

"  I  am  ashamed  to  think  I  ever  listened  to  his 
flattery,"  she  continued,  looking  up  frankly, 
though  her  face  was  covered  with  blushes.  "  You 
did  me  a  kind  office  last  night,  Mr.  Butler,  by 
your  timely  appearance.  I  don't  know  into  what 
foolishness  I  might  not  have  been  drawn. 

"  My  dear  child ! "  said  Mrs.  Butler,  gently 
stroking  her  burning  cheeks.  "  It  was  just  that  we 
were  afraid  of.  I  believe  he  is  an  unprincipled  for 
tune  hunter."  • 


UNMASKED.  297 

"  That's  what  I  once  called  him  to  Grace.  But 
she  said  that  she  was  ashamed  of  me,  for  imputing 
such  sordid  motives  to  an  honorable  gentleman, 
and  that  I  was  always  imagining  that  it  was  the 
heiress  men  were  seeking." 

"  Miss  Julia,"  said  Butler,  "  the  fact  of  your 
wealth  may  hold  back  a  true  man  who  really  loves 
you,  from  fear  of  that  imputation,  but  never  a 
professed  fortune-hunter.  My  advice  is  when  you 
see  a  gentleman  whose  conduct  to  others  as  well 
as  yourself  is  such  as  you  can  admire  and  respect, 
give  him  encouragement  to  believe  you  care  more 
for  worth  than  wealth." 

"  But  it  isn't  leap-year  yet,  Mr.  Butler.  What 
would  you  have  me  do  ?  " 

"  Don't  trifle  with  a  good  man,  and  be  careful 
how  you  give  the  opposite  opportunities  for  mid 
night  interviews." 

"  Thank  you.  I'll  not  favor  Mr.  Hunt  again, 
unless  I  know  you  are  by  on  guard.  Then  if  he 
asks  my  opinion  of  him,  it  might  relieve  my  mind 
to  be  able  to  express  it." 

"  I  have  no  doubt  you  would  make  sharp  use 
of  your  woman's  weapon.  But,  unless  he  presses 
himself  upon  you,  I  should  prefer  a  dignified 
avoidance.  With  regard  to  what  I  have  told  you, 
say  nothing,  even  to  Grace.  It  is  the  general 
belief  that  John  Fuller's  death  was  accidental. 
For  his  children's  sake,  it  is  better  that  impression 
13* 


298  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

should  remain.  They  are  out  of  Hunt's  hands 
now.  I  think  he  is  too  cautious  a  man  to  go 
beyond  the  limits  of  the  law.  But  he  can  be  very 
hard  and  grinding  upon  those  in  his  power.  I 
shall  make  further  inquiries  about  Walker." 

Here  he  was  interrupted  by  Grace,  who  came  in 
pale  and  agitated,  saying  that  her  little  boy,  who 
had  been  complaining  all  night,  was  then  lying  in 
convulsions,  and  that  Ada  Hunt,  also,  was  very  ill. 
She  had  sent  for  the  doctor,  but  baby  Frank  might 
die  before  he  arrived. 

Grace  was  so  terrified  that  she  was  perfectly  help 
less.  But  an  emergency  of  any  kind  always  called 
out  Julia's  dormant  strength  and  energy.  So, 
guided  by  Mrs.  Butler's  experience,  she  did  every 
thing  possible  to  relieve  her  little  nephew,  before 
the  doctor  came.  He  brought  additional  anxiety, 
when,  after  seeing  the  patients,  he  informed  them 
that  a  malignant  form  of  scarlet  fever  had  entered 
their  midst,  and  that  the  baby  and  Ada  were  its 
first  victims. 

As  Julia  saw  Ada's  beautiful  face  burning  with 
fever,  her  eyes  moving  wildly  about  and  lips  mut 
tering  strange  fancies,  she  shuddered  as  she  thought 
that  she  might  be  the  next  victim.  During  that 
time  of  dreadful  suspense,  she  seemed  to  be  walk 
ing  on  the  shore  of  eternity,  where  the  quicksands 
might  at  any  time  sink  beneath  her,  letting  her 
down  into  the  fathomless  abyss.  She  avoided  no 


UNMASKED.  '     299 

duty  or  danger,  but,  for  the  first  time,  her  heart 
really  went  out  in  an  earnest  cry  for  the  only  help 
that  could  avail  in  that  trying  hour. 

Alas!  there  are  few  homes  that  fell  -  destroyer 
has  not  some  time  invaded,  selecting  the  fairest  and 
dearest  of  the  flock.  We  have  felt  our  hearts  sink 
and  courage  fail,  as  through  long  days  and  nights 
we  fought  the  disease,  hour  by  hour ;  too  often,  to 
watch  the  shadow  of  death  steal  on,  till  the  light 
of  their  eyes  was  quenched,  and  the  loved  forms 
hid  in  the  darkness  of  the  grave. 

It  was  nearly  dark,  when  going  through  the  hall 
from  Ada's  room  to  the  nursery,  Julia  met  Graham, 
with  overcoat  and  traveling-bag. 

Dropping  them  he  said,  "  I  was  looking  for  you. 
I  felt  that  I  must  see  you  before  I  left. 

"Are  you  going  to  leave  us  now?"  she  asked 
reproachfully. 

u  Oh,  Miss  Julia !  "  he  exclaimed,  taking  her 
hand,  "you  must  know  that  it  is  not  of  my  own 
choice.  I  am  sent  on  business  of  the  firm  which 
unfortunately  I  cannot  avoid.  Does  the  doctor 
say  that  this  fever  is  contagious  ?  " 

"Yes;  he  calls  little  Frank's  attack  a  very 
malignant  case." 

"  And  you  are  there  over  him  all  the  time  ?  Oh  ! 
I  wish  I  could  take  your  place ;  yet  here  I  am  to 
be  banished  miles  away." 

"  You  could  not  take  my  place,  Mr.  Graham.     I 


300    '  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

am  not  much  afraid,  but  I  wish  you  were  not 
going." 

"  Is  there  nothing  you  can  use  to  ward  off  the 
disease  ?  " 

"  I  will  try  to  do  what  I  can.  But  you  believe 
in  a  merciful  God,  Mr.  Graham.  He  seems  to  be 
our  only  refuge  now.  Your  prayers  may  be  our 
best  help  ;  will  you  remember  us  while  you  are 
gone  ?" 

"  It  shall  be  the  cry  of  my  heart  day  and  night. 
Mr.  Butler  has  promised  to  write.  May  you  abide 
'  under  the  shadow  of  the  Almighty  ; '  and  not  be 
afraid  '  for  the  pestilence  that  walketh  in  darkness, 
nor  for  the  destruction  that  wasteth  at  noon-day.' 
Good-bye." 

Julia  could  not  trust  herself  to  reply.  He  stood 
silent  a  moment,  then  dropping  her  hand  turned 
abruptly,  and,  taking  up  his  bag,  passed  rapidly  out 
of  the  house. 

As  Julia  watched  through  the  long,  anxious 
Weeks  that  followed,  Graham's  parting  prayer 
seemed  to  rest  like  a  shield  over  her,  and  often  a 
bright  flush  crossed  her  pale  cheeks  as  she  thought, 
"  It  was  for  me  he  was  so  anxious." 


A    TROUBLED  CONSCIENCE.  301 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

A   TROUBLED   CONSCIENCE. 

HEN  Ada  returned  to  consciousness, 
and  realized  the  danger  from  which 
she  had  not  yet  escaped,  memory 
brought  in  review  her  whole  useless, 
contemptible  life.  It  availed  her  little  in  that 
dark  hour,  that  she  had  often  sat  down  at  the 
Lord's  table.  She  knew  that  not  alone  were  her  gar 
ments  of  self-righteousness  soiled  in  his  sight,  with 
hypocrisy  and  falsehood.  She  knew  that  she  had 
used  his  gift  of  beauty  as  a  lure  to  gratify  her  van 
ity  or  selfish  designs,  and  knew  that  showing  no 
pity  to  the  love  she  had  won,  she  had  sent  men 
from  her  presence,  robbed  of  all  faith  in  what  was 
pure  and  true  and  of  good  report.  Now  she  was 
stung  by  remorse,  and  her  good  angel  fought  hard 
for  her  during  those  days  ;  but  as  she  felt  the  tide 
of  life  turning  back  to  health,  the  old  jealousy 
returned,  and  a  tempest  of  conflicting  passions 
raged  in  her  heart.  The  thought  that  Julia  might 
even  then  have  supplanted  her ;  that  Stokes's  in 
sinuations,  by  which  he  so  skillfully  stung  her  in 


302  FORGING   THEIR  OWN  CHAINS. 

every  letter,  were  true,  and  that  she  was  simply 
Hunt's  tool,  made  her  writhe  in  agony.  When 
her  cousin  visited  her,  her  fears  were  dispelled  by 
his  manner  for  the  time,  only  to  return  with 
greater  power  when  she  realized  what  it  would  be 
to  lose  him.  Since  she  was  brought  to  h-is  mother, 
a  little  orphan  ten  years  old,  all  the  love  of  which 
she  was  capable  had  centered  upon  him.  During 
Henry's  vacations  she  had  been  his  playfellow  and 
accomplice  in  many  a  rash  plot,  and,  when  at 
times  discovered,  she  had  often  borne  the  punish 
ment  he  more  richly  deserved.  He  was  naturally 
despotic,  and  found,  in  both  herself  and  Gordon, 
willing  instruments  to  carry  out  his  schemes,  except 
that  while  she  had  more  skill  and  daring  to  exe 
cute,  it  required  more  delicate  management  to 
keep  her  subservient  to  his  wishes. 

Perhaps,  had  Ada  been  surrounded  by  other 
influences  she  might  have  made  a  noble  as  well  as 
brilliant  woman ;  but  from  earliest  childhood,  the 
effort  to  keep  up  a  fashionable  appearance,  no 
matter  how,  had  been  made  the  purpose  of  her 
life.  Her  parents  had  always  lived  beyond  their 
means,  and  would  have  left  her  without  a  cent  had 
it  not  been  for  a  small  sum  settled  upon  her  by  her 
grandfather,  and  this  was  hardly  enough  to  provide 
her  clothing.  Her  aunt,  old  Mrs.  Gordon,  instead 
of  educating  her  with  a  view  to  independent  self- 
support,  knowing  well  that  she  could  afford  her  a 


A    TROUBLED   CONSCIENCE.  303 

home  only  during  her  lifetime,  kept  her  as  a  com 
panion  to  wait  on  her  nervous  ailments.  She  had 
masters  come  to  the  house  when  convenient,  and 
from  them  Ada  had  acquired  enough  accomplish 
ments  to  make  her  appear  to  advantage  in  society, 
her  aunt  insisting  that  her  face  must  be  her  fortune. 

But  Ada  would  gladly  have  married  her  cousin, 
and  submitted  to  live  in  a  very  unpretending 
home.  Hunt,  however,  may  have  read  her  char 
acter  better,  and  knew  that  old  habits  of  extrava 
gance  would  assert  themselves,  and  being  deprived 
of  the  luxurious  surroundings  of  her  early  life,  as 
years  progressed,  she  would  become  the  selfish  irri 
table  counterpart  of  his  mother.  Though  her  rare 
beauty  at  times  made  him  long  to  possess  her,  at 
heart  he  had  no  real  love  or  respect  for  her,  and 
his  cold,  callous  nature  did  not  hesitate  to  use  her 
affections  so  long  as  they  could  serve  his  interests ; 
then  he  would  have  tossed  them  aside  as  a  worth 
less  thing. 

But  Hunt  had  found  that  she  was  becoming  very 
suspicious,  and  that  he  must  act  with  the  greatest 
caution,  or  gain  her  bitter  enmity.  Indeed,  it 
seemed  that  every  move  in  the  desperate  game 
he  was  now  playing  was  rousing  enmity,  thus 
thwarting  former  plans.  Warning  had  been  given 
him  of  the  plot  against  his  life,  and  he  had 
been  obliged  to  remain  at  the  hotel  in  town,  when, 
in  Ada's  sickness,  he  saw  such  an  excellent  oppor- 


304  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

tunity  to  press  his  suit  with  Julia.  He  had  been 
unable  to  see  her  alone  since  the  night  of  the  con 
cert,  notwithstanding  all  his  maneuvers;  though  he 
placed  it  all  to  the  score  of  her  nephew's  illness 
and  his  frequent  absence.  But  he  resolved  that 
Graham  should  be  kept  away  on  some  pretext  till 
old  Butler  was  out  of  the  house  ;  and  he  meant  to  let 
the  miners  find  out  that  he  also  could  take  revenge. 

Meanwhile  the  weeks  sped  by,  and  the  new  life 
clothing  the  mountains  in  verdure,  blew  the  foul 
miasms  away  from  the  breezy  cliff,  and  the  shadow 
of  disease  was  lifted  from  Cedar  Ridge.  But  it  settled 
down  in  some  of  the  low  wretchedly  drained 
miners'  villages,  where  a  long  winter's  privations 
had  left  many  a  poor  soul  illy  prepared  to  fight 
against  it. 

Spring,  so  long  baffled  and  driven  back  by  wintry 
storms,  had  gained  the  victory.  The  young  leaves 
as  if  by.magic  covered  mountain  and  plain.  The 
river,  which  but  a  few  weeks  before  had  risen  in 
such  fearful  majesty  to  break  its  icy  fetters,  now 
rippled  gently  around  the  hills,  bearing  many  a 
green  island  on  its  bosom.  The  old  gnarled  apple- 
trees  had  changed  into  softly  tinted  pyramids  of 
beauty,  as  if  they  had  caught  and  entangled  the 
low  sunset  clouds  in  their  branches.  The  robins 
and  blue-birds  had  returned  to  their  summer 
homes,  and  at  morning,  noon  and  night  the  woods 
rang  with  their  carolings. 


A    TROUBLED    CONSCIENCE.  305 

But '  though  the  conflict  in  nature  seemed 
brought  to  a  close,  that  between  labor  and  capital 
still  raged  as  fiercely  as  ever.  Men  driven  by  six 
months'  idleness  to  the  last  extremity,  and  in  want  of 
the  very  necessaries  of  life,  were  becoming  desperate. 

The  great  mass,  who  had  nothing  to  gain  but  all 
to  lose,  were  secretly  in  favor  of  work  at  any  price. 
But  the  power  of  terrorism  was  not  yet  broken, 
and  each  distrusted  his  neighbor. 

Among  the  many  honest  and  trustworthy,  there 
was  a  class  of  low  rowdies,  the  vile  scum  of  the 
country,  who  accumulated  no  savings,  and,  if  by 
any  means  they  could  get  their  dram  and  tobacco, 
were  averse  to  steady  work.  In  the  hands  of  the 
leaders,  these  became  instruments  of  power. 
Clothed  for  a  time  in  unwonted  authority,  they 
swaggered  round,  swearing  death  to  the  "  black 
legs,"  and  loudly  proclaiming,  "  We  ask  no  favors, 
only  grant  us  our  rights." 

But  the  gaunt  fiend  Starvation  will  drive  men 
to  desperate  resolves,  and  some  Welsh  and  Scotch 
men  went  to  Mr.  Gordon,  and  signified  their  will 
ingness  to  go  to  work.  He  ordered  Malcome  to 
open  the  mines  at  once,  and  promised  protection 
as  far  as  possible  to  all  who  entered. 

Walker  saw  that  he  must  make  a  bold  push,  or 
the  strike  was  over  with  that  colliery.  So  he  called 
a  grand  mass  meeting,  to  discuss  the  question  and 
take  a  full  vote. 


306  FORGING   THEIR  OWN  CHAINS. 

It  was  a  pale,  dejected-looking  set  of  men  and 
boys  that  gathered  in  the  golden  splendor  of  a 
cloudless  sky  in  May,  on  the  mountain  back  of  the 
colliery.  The  trees  on  every  side  were  waving 
their  fresh  green  banners,  and  moss  and  vines 
sought  to  cover  the  ravages  of  the  winter's  frost  on 
the  old  gray  rocks.  But  to  that  half-fed  mass  of 
men,  the  free  prodigal  growth  of  nature,  if  it  at 
all  influenced  their  thoughts,  seemed  but  to  mock 
their  poverty. 

Dan  Malcome,  as  Secretary  of  the  Union,  was 
called  first  to  the  stump  and  a  crowd  of  eager  list 
eners  closed  around.  He  advised  patience  and 
moderation.  "  Gie  each  mon  his  liberty  to  settle 
this  question  as  he  thinks  best,"  he  said.  "  We've 
tried  force  too  often  to  our  shame,  and  what  good 
has  it  brought  us  ?  The  most  of  you  have  fought 
this  out  bravely,  honestly,  and  your  faces  show 
what  it  has  cost.  I  believe  as  you  do,  that  we  have 
been  oppressed  by  monopolies  and  combinations, 
and  I  for  one  would  say  hold  out  till  victory  comes 
if  I  could  see  a  chance  for  it.  But  unless  we  can 
prevent  any  coal  from  being  dug  wherever  there's 
a  mine  in  the  whole  State,  we  can't  command  the 
situation.  That  is  what  our  union  has  tried  by 
the  utmost  exertions  to  effect.  But  the  miners  to 
the  north  of  us  have  refused  to  strike,  and  those 
companies  have  filled  the  bill  at  immense  profits, 
while  we  are  driven  to  the  wall.  Our  supplies  from 


A   TROUBLED  CONSCIENCE.  307 

outside  are  running  short.  I  see  naught  to  be 
gained  by  longer  fight.  Let  those  as  can't  hold 
out,  have  the  right  to  go  to  work  unmolested. 
The  longer  we  delay  the  deeper  we  run  in  debt." 

"Aye,  aye,  them's  my  sentiments,"  greeted  his 
speech  on  on  all  sides.  Sam  Walker  sprang  to 
another  stump  and  called  in  a  loud,  ringing  voice  : 

"  Listen  to  me  before  you  take  your  vote. 
There's  another  side  to  that  question.  It  is  easy 
to  see  why  Dan  wants  you  to  go  to  work.  He 
hopes,  through  Boss  Malcome's  influence,  to  get  a 
situation  as  engineer.*' 

"  I  deny  the  charge,"  interrupted  Dan. 

But  Walker's  loud  voice  drowned  his,  and  a 
party  of  roughs  surrounding  him,  he  saw  that  pro 
test  was  useless. 

"  So  that  he  can  get  his  seventy  a  month,"  con 
tinued  Walker,  "  you  must  agree  to  take  wages 
that  won't  hold  soul  and  body  together." 

"Faith,  an'  it's  precious  little  hould  they  hev 
noo,  but  skin  and  bone,"  called  out  a  voice  from 
the  crowd. 

"  And  will  you,  after  enduring  all  these  hard 
ships,  give  up  now  that  the  victory  is  almost 
gained  ?  I  know,  for  I've  means  of  finding  out, 
that  Gordon  and  Hunt  must  yield  in  two  weeks  or 
fail.  If  we  can  but  compel  them  to  submit  to  our 
terms,  the  others  will  have  to  follow.  Think  what 
it  is  to  spend  a  lifetime  under  ground.  Remember 


308  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

your  widows  and  orphans,  Your  children  taken 
from  school  to  pick  slate.  The  wretched  hovels  in 
which  so  many  of  your  comrades  are  compelled  to 
live.  You've  seen  men  under  the  fatal  fire-damp, 
stagger  like  drunken  men,  and  made  cripples  for 
life.  Will  you  consent  to  become  the  white  slaves 
of  America  at  the  caprice  of  tyrants'  whims?  I 
tell  you  that  Hunt  is  a  villain.  Where  he  has  had 
the  power,  he  has  cheated  and  driven  the  poor 
man  to  desperation.  Gordon  and  Graham  are  but 
his  tools.  The  latter  has  professed  to  be  your 
friend,  but  now  he  has  consented  to  go  for  outside 
mercenaries  to  fill  your  places.  I  tell  you  if  you 
yield  now  without  a  blow,  that  cold-blooded  Hunt 
has  you  at  his  mercy." 

With  a  horrible  oath,  Bill  McQuaid  emphasized 
this  sentence,  adding,  "  The  old  wolf  slipped  us 
once,  but  his  day  of  reckoning  is  coming." 

"  Comrades  !  "  shouted  Walker,  with  wild  energy, 
"Will  you  turn  cowards  and  traitors  ?" 

"  No,  no  !  "  cried  the  majority,  infuriated  by 
the  arguments  of  their  leader.  "  You  give  us  the 
word  and  we  will  follow." 

"  Then  let  us  drive  those  cussed  '  black-legs'  from 
the  works.  It  is  they  who  are  stealing  in  to 
defraud  us  of  our  victory.  Shall  we  be  the  first 
tamely  to  submit?  Shall  we  have  our  brethren  in 
the  Union  pointing  to  us  as  deserters  ?  Do  you 
think  they  won't  know  how  to  mete  us  the  desert- 


A   TROUBLED  CONSCIENCE.  309 

er's  punishment?  I  tell  you  there  are  desperate 
men  'in  these  mountains ;  men  who  will  get  redress 
for  their  wrongs  or  die  in  the  attempt.  Let  us 
stand  bravely  by  their  sides.  If  there  is  a  man 
here  who  can't  hold  out  two  weeks  more,  if  need 
be,  let  him  show  his  hand." 

None  were  raised,  as  might  have  been  expected  ; 
all  feared  being  called  cowardly  and  slavish. 

"  I  move,"  cried  McQuaid,  "  that  a  committee  be 
sent  to  these 'black-legs,' backed  with  arguments 
that  they  will  consider  it  best  to  obey." 

"  I  second  the  motion,"  called  Tom  Lynch. 
"  All  in  favor  say  '  aye  ! ' 

Loud  cheers  responded  ;  perhaps  making  up  in 
noise  what  they  lacked  in  heartiness. 

A  committee  was  chosen,  composed  of  such  men 
as  McQuaid  and  Lynch,  and  with  their  loaded  pis 
tols,  they  headed  the  procession  down  the  moun 
tain.  When  near  the  colliery,  the  mass  of  men 
paused  and  broke  into  little  groups  to  watch  events. 
Bitter  curses  were  hurled  against  the  "  black-legs  ;" 
each  expressing  himself  more  strongly  from  his 
fear  of  being  thought  a  sympathizer. 

The  men  at  work  were  summoned  to  leave.  An 
angry  discussion  rose  on  both  sides,  in  front  of 
Ned  Malcome's  office.  He  came  out,  and  made 
his  deep,  strong  voice  heard  above  the  tumult, 
asking : 

"  Have  you  heard  Gordon  and  Hunt's  decision,  if 


310  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

you  force  the  men  to  give  up  work,  and  the  mines 
are  again  closed  ?  " 

All  paused  to  listen. 

"  They  have  declared,"  continued  Malcome, 
"  that  they  will  themselves  stop  the  pumps  and 
flood  the  mines,  so  that  you  can't  go  in  for  months 
if  you  wish  to,  and  their  tenants  shall  be  turned 
out  of  their  houses,  unless  the  rent  due  is  paid  in 
full.  Mr.  Hunt  gives  you  a  week  to  decide." 

With  an  oath  McQuaid  replied,  "  Hunt  needn't 
try  to  frighten  us  with  such  chaff.  He  would  find 
that  they  could  threaten,  and  execute  too.  And 
as  for  you,  you  cussed  time-server,  turning  against 
your  own  class  to  toady  to  these  tyrants,  your  day 
of  reckoning  is  coming." 

Malcome  drew  up  his  powerful  figure,  and  with 
his  blood  boiling  with  rage,  he  retorted:  "  I'm  a 

o  o     7 

truer  friend  to  my  comrades  than  you  rascally  lot 
of  hypocrites  and  assassins  who  shoot  or  stab  your 
victims  in  the  dark,  and  try  to  blow  up  men, 
women  and  children  with  gunpowder,  simply  to 
keep  them  from  an  honest  living,  while  such  as  you 
and  Sam  Walker  filch  from  them  the  hard  savings 
you  are  too  lazy  to  earn  for  yourselves." 

McQuaid's  wicked  eyes  glittered  dangerously,  and 
his  fist  doubled  up.  But  only  shaking  it  at 
Malcome,  he  said  :  "  Blow  away,  old  boy,  you  will 
find  we  can  carry  a  bullet  a  long  time,  and  send  it 
sure  at  last.  I  and  my  comrades  are  only  author- 


A    TROUBLED   CONSCIENCE.  311 

ized  to  hustle  these  black-legs  out  of  the  works.  If 
they  don't  go  mighty  quick,  we'll  give  'em  a  little 
spur.  Your  case  and  Hunt's  threat  shall  be  laid 
before  the  Union,  and  they  shall  decide. 

The  poor  men  who  had  gone  to  work  laid  down 
their  tools,  and  dejectedly,  hurriedly,  returned  to 
their  wretched  homes,  hooted  and  jeered  at  by 
men,  women  and  children,  once  their  old  neigh 
bors  and  friends. 

On  the  one  side,  they  were  driven  from  self  sup 
port  by  the  fear  of  violent  death  ;  on  the  other, 
they  faced  slow  starvation  for  themselves  and  their 
helpless  families,  with  the  certainty  that  even  the 
pitiful  shelter  their  bare  homes  afforded  would 
soon  be  wrested  from  them.  Could  it  be  that  this 
was  a  country  that  boasted  of  its  freedom  ? 


312  FORGING   THEIR  OWN  CHAINS. 


CHAPTER   XXIII. 

DISASTER. 

FEW  weeks  after  the  events  narrated  in 
the  last  chapter,  Hunt  went  to  his  office 
in  the  Oquago  Bank,  feeling  exceedingly 
anxious.  He  had  not  heard  from  Stokes 
for  several  days,  though  he  had  written  urging  him 
to  work  off  the  stock  as  fast  as  possible,  he  being 
content  with  the  figure  it  had  then  reached.  In 
truth,  Hunt's  position  was  becoming  critical. 

In  a  fortnight  more  the  board  of  directors  would 
meet,  and  he  might  not  be  able  to  cover  up  his 
embezzlements ;  he  had  been  thwarted  in  so  many 
of  his  schemes,  especially  in  compelling  the  miners 
to  resume  work.  He  sent  Graham  to  Philadelphia 
to  see  Mr.  John  Gordon  about  bringing  in  other 
hands,  and  tried  to  get  funds  from  him,  under 
pretense  of  starting  up  the  mines.  But  the  old 
gentleman  replied,  that  he  would  be  there  in  a 
week  or  ten  days.  They  would  talk  over  matters 
then,  and  he  could  judge  better  what  to  do,  when 
on  the  spot. 

This  news  alarmed  Frank  Gordon,  especially  as 


DISASTER.  313 

Mr.  Earle,  Grace's  uncle,  was  expected  from  New 
York  about  the  first  of  June,  to  make  a  visit. 
Frank  was  afraid  that  the  two  uncles  might  find  out 
how  Grace's  property  had  become  involved.  Hunt 
saw  that  this  combination  of  circumstances  placed 
him  in  a  fearful  strait.  There  was  only  one  move 
in  the  game  left,  that  could  save  him  from  utter 
ruin  and  disgrace,  and  that  must  be  made  by 
another,  who  might  wait  too  long,  and  so  lose  all. 

He  resolved  if  the  mail  brought  no  word  from 
Stokes  that  morning,  that  he  would  take  the  first 
train  for  New  York.  But  the  hoped-for  letter 
came,  bringing  the  best  of  news.  Stokes  wrote 
that  he  had  worked  the  stock  up  to  the  highest 
figure  to  which  it  could  be  brought,  and  had  begun 
to  unload  as  rapidly  as  he  thought  prudent ;  and 
he  expected  in  a  day  or  two  to  return,  with  a 
fortune  for  them  both.  He  would  telegraph  when 
he  would  be  there. 

Hunt  threw  down  the  letter,  exclaiming,  "  By 
Jove!  What  a  relief!  I  thought  my  luck  would 
save  me,  but  this  is  the  closest  shave  I  have  had 
yet.  Now  I  think  I  will  give  up  speculating,  and 
confine  myself  to  steady  business.  This  operation 
will  give  me  enough  to  make  all  square,  and  leave 
a  comfortable  fortune  besides.  I  don't  despair  of 
winning  the  heiress  either.  She  has  been  shy  since 
the  night  of  the  concert,  but  that  is  a  good  sign. 
The  only  trouble  is  this  proposed  trip  to  Scranton 
14 


3H  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

and  over  the  Hawley  road,  to-morrow  and  next 
day.  It  is  old  Butler's  party,  and  Graham  is 
especially  invited  to  show  the  mines  at  Scranton.  I 
was  planning  a  pretext  to  keep  him  home,  offering 
to  take  his  place  as  being  equally  able  to  get 
the  best  of  attention  from  the  officials  at  the  mines. 
But  this  matter  in  New  York  must  be  settled  first. 
However,  a  telegram  may  come  before  night,  or 
perhaps  I  can  have  the  trip  postponed." 

With  a  lighter  heart  than  he  had  carried  for 
many  weeks,  Hunt  went  to  work  at  his  regular 
day's  business,  having  first  dispatched  a  note  to 
Gordon,  telling  him  that  he  had  received  good 
news  from  Stokes,  not  to  worry,  for  everything 
was  coming  out  right. 

About  noon  the  telegram  arrived  from  Stokes, 
saying  that  he  would  be  there  by  the  evening 
train,  and  requesting  Hunt  to  meet  him  at  his 
usual  room  at  the  hotel. 

Hunt  was  jubilant  over  this  rapid  fulfillment  of 
his  wishes.  As  the  unusually  warm  spring  twilight 
began,  he  entered  Stokes's  room,  and  opened  the 
windows  to  let  in  the  soft  air.  Then  lolling  in  an 
easy-chair,  he  slowly  puffed  his  cigar  while  he 
waited  for  his  companion. 

Pleasant  fancies  filled  his  mind  ;  visions  of  a 
palatial  dwelling,  crowning  one  of  the  eminences 
on  the  banks  of  the  river,  before  which  Cedar  Ridge 
dwindled  into  insignificance.  Julia  Earle  was  to 


DISASTER.  315 

be  its  mistress  ;  her  connections  giving  him  greater 
prestige  among  the  old  families.  He  would  cease 
to  be  a  small  operator,  and  become  the  president 
of  some  large  coal  company.  He  was  known  to 
have  great  executive  ability,  and  wealth  would 
open  the  way  to  almost  any  position. 

He  did  not  take  into  account  that  this  wealth 
was  not  yet  actually  in  his  grasp,  nor  did  he  allow 
his  mind  to  dwell  on  the  fearful  risks  that  he  .had 
run  to  acquire  it.  In  the  reaction  from  the  intense 
strain  of  the  past  weeks,  he  was  indulging  in  the 
Lotos-eater's  dreams  of  fancied  security,  when  he 
was  aroused  to  the  present  by  a  tap  at  the  door, 
and  going  to  it,  hastily  admitted  Stokes. 

"  Well,  old  fellow,  how  are  you  ?"  he  exclaimed, 
"  I  hardly  expected  you  would  get  off  so  soon. 
Were  you  able  to  sell  all  out  at  the  figure  you 
wrote  ?" 

Stokes  turned,  deliberately  locked  the  door,  and 
advanced  toward  the  table,  without  saying  a 
word. 

"  Why  don't  you  speak,  man  ? "  cried  Hunt,  a 
cold  shiver  of  apprehension  creeping  over  him. 

With  an  oath,  Stokes  replied,  "  You  needn't  be 
in  such  a  hurry;  I've  bad  news.  Every  cent  we've 
invested  is  gone." 

Hunt's  face  took  an  ashy  hue,  and  he  staggered 
to  a  seat,  where  he  gazed  at  him,  with  wild  staring 
eyes,  unable  to  speak.  Stokes  closed  the  windows, 


316  FORGING  THEIR  OWN  CHAINS. 

lest  their  conversation  should  be  overheard.  Then 
sitting  down  in  front  of  Hunt,  in  a  position  to 
watch  every  expression  of  his  face,  he  told  the 
story  of  their  failure  :  The  stock  was  selling  rapid 
ly,  and  all  things  seemed  favorable,  when  suddenly 
it  broke,  and  went  down  with  a  run.  He  made 
frantic  efforts  to  stop  it,  taking  up  again  what  he 
had  sold,  in  hopes  of  restoring  confidence.  But 
heavy  men  refused  to  purchase,  and  by  noon,  five 
hundred  thousand  dollars  had  slipped  through 
his  fingers.  Some  large  failures  had  been  reported 
on  the  street,  and  it  was  one  of  those  unaccounta 
ble  changes  in  the  stock  market  that  takes  the 
wariest  by  surprise. 

That  was  the  version  he  gave  Hunt.  But,  in 
truth,  both  had  been  caught  in  a  trap  of  Stokes's 
own  setting.  He  intended  to  sell  out  his  stocks 
first  ;  then  by  setting  stories  afloat  damaging  to 
Hunt's  credit,  hoped  to  have  his  revenge  by  thus 
ruining  him,  while  he  saved  himself. 

He  uttered  but  a  breath  of  suspicion,  and  before 
he  knew,  the  air  was  thick  with  rumors,  and  the 
bubble  struck  by  his  own  hand  first,  burst  before 
he  was  ready,  and  all  he  had,  too,  was  swept  away 
in  the  storm  he  had  raised. 

Stokes  was  too  unscrupulous  to  hesitate  at  any 
means  by  which  to  retrieve  his  losses,  and  on  his 
way  to  Hunt  had  laid  his  plans.  Now  he  brought 
them  to  bear. 


DISASTER.  317 

"  You  seem  very  much  cut  up  by  this  loss.  I 
didn't  suppose,  with  your  resources,  it  could  cripple 
you.  But  as  you  may  know,  it  leaves  me  pretty 
thoroughly  stranded.  I  am  sorry  to  be  obliged  to 
press  you  for  the  money  I  loaned  you  last  Febru 
ary,  but  I  have  nothing  to  fall  back  upon  except 
ing  that." 

"Curse  you,  Stokes!"  exclaimed  Hunt,  stung 
to  desperation.  "  After  ruining  me,  have  you  the 
audacity  now  to  ask  for  that  money?" 

"  I  lent  it  in  good  faith  that  it  would  be  paid  on 
demand.  You  took  your  risks,  when  you  entered 
into  this  operation.  Surely,  in  your  position  as 
president  of  the  Oquago  Bank,  you  can  easily  pay 
that  little  amount  to-morrow.  This  failure  cannot 
seriously  injure  your  credit." 

Hunt  thought  a  moment,  then  replied,  "  I  can't 
to-morrow,  Stokes.  If  you  will  have  patience  and 
wait  a  few  days,  I  will  see  what  I  can  do.  Come 
to  the  bank,  and  we  will  talk  it  over.  I  must  go 
now." 

He  longed  to  be  alone,  to  think  how  he  could 
possibly  extricate  himself  from  his  embarrassing 
position.  But  Stokes,  instead  of  allowing  him  to 
leave,  drew  his  chair  still  closer,  and  with  a  cold 
glitter  in  his  small  gray  eyes,  and  a  sneer  curving 
his  thin  blue  lips,  said,  "  You  don't  get  rid  of  me 
as  easy  as  that,  my  friend.  You  thought  to  use 
me  as  your  willing  tool,  to  be  cast  aside  when  your 


318  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

work  was  accomplished.  You  didn't  know,  did 
you,  that  I  was  well  posted  with  the  condition  of 
your  accounts  in  the  bank,  that  I  knew  just  the 
exact  amounts  you  had  embezzled,  and  how  much 
of  other  people's  property,  held  in  trust,  has  been 
swallowed  up  in  this  failure?" 

Hunt  stared  at  him  a  moment  in  blank  amaze 
ment,  then  put  his  hand  to  his  breast-pocket  while 
a  wicked  gleam  passed  over  his  face.  But  Stokes 
coolly  laid  one  hand  on  the  bell-rope,  and  with  the 
other  drew  back  Hunt's,  saying,  "  If  you  try  that 
game,  I'll  bring  a  crowd  here  and  deliver  you  up 
to  justice.  Do  you  think  a  trial  for  murder  would 
help  your  cause,  or  that  I'll  not  defend  myself?" 
he  added,  quick  as  a  flash  drawing  out  his  own 
pistol. 

"  Come,  Hunt,"  he  continued,  laying  the  weapon 
down,  "  you  are  completely  in  my  power.  But  if 
you  will  listen  to  reason  and  comply  with  a  plan  I 
have  to  propose,  I  will  show  you  a  way  out  of 
these  difficulties." 

Hunt,  seeing  himself  utterly  helpless,  leaned  his 
head  on  the  table,  and  two  or  three  hard,  dry  sobs 
shook  his  frame,  as  he  cried,  "  O  my  God  !  What 
shall  I  do  ?  " 

"What  shall  you  do?  Don't  make  a  fool  of 
yourself,"  sneered  Stokes.  "  Here,  take  a  glass  of 
brandy.  Look  the  situation  in  the  face  like  a  man. 
I  didn't  take  you  for  a  whimpering  baby.  Luck 


DISASTER.  319 

has  turned  against  you  this  time,  but  when  a  man 
is  desperate,  he  won't  stop  at  trifles,  if  a  friend  will 
show  him  how  he  can  get  a  fresh  start." 

With  a  strong  effort  Hunt  regained  his  self-con 
trol,  and  accepting  the  proffered  stimulus,  drank 
it  rapidly,  but  said  coldly,  "  Thank  you  for  your 
compliment,  but  let  me  hear  your  project  first." 

"  It  involves  considerable  risk,  but  it  is  your 
only  chance.  You  and  I  must  enact  the  role  of 
common  burglars,  and  rob  the  bank  to-morrow 
night  of  all  we  can  lay  hands  on,  those  worthless 
securities  among  the  rest ;  then  make  tracks  for 
Canada  as  fast  as  possible." 

"What  do  you  take  me  for?"  asked  Hunt 
haughtily,  drawing  erect  his  elegant  figure. 

"  For  a  gentleman  thief  hitherto,"  replied  Stokes 
coolly.  "  You  will  have  to  step  down  a  peg  lower 
to  save  yourself  now,  my  man." 

A  deep  flush  dyed  Hunt's  face,  and  again  in 
anger  he  put  his  hand  to  his  pocket.  But  realizing 
the  folly  of  his  conduct,  he  said  with  a  short,  bitter 
laugh,  "  I  suppose  you  are  right.  It  is  wonderful 
what  a  different  aspect  success  or  failure  gives  to 
these  affairs.  But  I  don't  see  how  your  scheme  is 
to  be  accomplished,  or  what  inducement  you  can 
have  to  undertake  it?  " 

"  The  want  of  money,  '  the  root  of  all  evil.'  Do 
you  suppose  the  paltry  sum  of  ten  thousand  dollars 
would  help  me  much?  Now  listen  while  I  give 


320  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

you  my  plans.  But  first  you  must  promise  to 
co-operate  with  me,  or  I  will  reveal  everything  I 
know." 

"  Go  ahead  !  As  you  say,  I  have  no  choice." 
"  In  the  first  place,  I  have  a  complete  set  of 
burglars'  tools  with  me,  and  every  facility  for  taking 
impressions  in  wax.  To-morrow  you  secure  the 
keys  of  the  safes,  and  let  me  have  them  a  few 
moments  unobserved  in  your  private  office.  That 
is  an  old  bank.  Has  it  the  new-fangled  compli 
cated  locks  ?  " 

"  No,  with  duplicate  keys  they  can  be  opened." 
"  I  thought  so.  I  will  take  the  impressions  to 
Philadelphia,  and  have  duplicates  made.  You  give 
your  cashier  to  understand  that  our  operation  is  all 
right  yet ;  that  I  came  on  to  talk  up  matters  with 
you,  and  that  you  had  decided  to  go  on  to  New 
York,  meet  me  there  and  close  up  the  whole  thing, 
returning  by  Friday  if  possible,  with  the  money  in 
hand.  Let's  see.  To-day  is  Monday — yes,  Friday 
will  give  us  time  enough.  You  leave  the  cars  at 
Cross-roads.  Look  out  that  no  one  sees  you. 
Hide  in  the  woods  till  dark,  then  come  out  at  the 
bridge,  by  the  foot  of  that  steep  hill.  I  will  meet 
you  there  with  two  horses  and  a  complete  disguise. 
About  two  o'clock  we  will  picket  our  horses  in  a 
lonely  spot  on  the  other  side  of  the  river  and  easily 
effect  our  entrance  to  the  bank.  You  know  where  to 
find  what  we  want  most,  and  we  can  be  off  in  an  hour, 


DISASTER.  321 

leaving  some  traces  to  look  as  if  a  gang  of  ordinary 
burglars  had  been  at  work.  Arriving  at  Scranton, 
you  push  on  by  cross-roads  to  Montreal,  and  wait 
for  me  there,  if  you  are  the  first  on  the  spot.  I  will 
remain  a  train  over  to  cover  our  tracks,  and  take 
a  different  route.  If  pursued  we  can  lose  ourselves 
in  the  wilds  to  the  north  or  sail  for  Europe.  We 
shall  thus  have  a  fair  start,  for  your  character  will 
hold  good  some  days  longer.  If  those  worthless 
securities  are  gone,  you  may  be  sure  the  cashier 
won't  blow  on  us  even  if  he  does  suspect  you  ;  for 
his  own  character  will  be  imperiled,  if  you  are 
taken.  Once  out  of  the  country,  in  Spain  or  some 
of  her  provinces,  we  can  find  a  fair  field  to  retrieve 
our  fortunes." 

After  hearing  Stokes's  proposal,  Hunt  remained 
in  thought,  for  sometime.  His  mind  recovered  its 
usual  acuteness,  and  he  carefully  reviewed  the 
whole  position  ;  but  finally  was  fully  convinced 
that  Stokes's  plan  offered  him  his  best  chance  to 
escape  the  disgrace  and  punishment  that  must  fol 
low,  when  his  peculations  were  discovered.  So  he 
signified  his  full  assent  to  the  arrangements  as 
Stokes  had  made  them. 

Then  followed  a  long  conversation,  settling  the 
details,  Stokes  insisting  that  the  larger  share  in  the 
spoils  should  come  to  him,  as  the  originator  and 
the  one  running  the  most  risk.  They  had  no  con 
fidence  in  each  other.  It  was  a  sharp  encounter 


322  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

between  two  rogues,  trying  each  to  cheat  the  other  ; 
Stokes,  byhis  knowledge  of  Hunt's  position,  having 
the  advantage  in  the  contest. 

A  little  after  nine  they  parted,  Hunt  promising 
to  meet  Stokes  at  the  bank  by  eight  the  next 
morning.  He  then  mounted  his  horse,  and  started 
for  Cedar  Ridge.  As  he  rode  through  the  familiar 
streets,  the  half-parted  curtains  revealed  many 
peaceful  firesides,  around  which  happy  family 
circles  were  gathered. 

Before  him  now,  rose  the  vision  of  a  home  he 
might  have  had.  Unlike  his  earlier  visions  of  the 
evening,  this  was  built  by  patient  industry,  un 
swerving  integrity,  and  honorable  ambition  ;  yet 
love,  grace  and  beauty  dwelt  in  its  corridors,  and 
the  patter  of  little  feet  echoed  through  its  halls. 

But  as  the  mirage  in  the  desert,  so  both  visions 
faded  out,  and  his  future  stretched  before  him,  like 
the  surrounding  landscape  that  was  enveloped  in 
shrouding  folds  of  white  mist,  through  which  the 
moon  shone  pale  and  angry,  like  the  eye  of  aveng 
ing  justice,  following  his  flight. 

As  he  reached  the  house,  he  felt  that  he  could 
not  meet  them  or  stay  there  that  night.  So  he 
rode  up  in  front  of  the  parlor  windows  and  looked 
in,  as  a  lost  spirit  might  upon  the  paradise  he  was 
about  to  ruin.  Seated  on  a  sofa  opposite  the 
window  was  Gordon,  playing  with  the  long  golden 
curls  of  his  wife's  hair,  as  she  sat  beside  him,  turn- 


DISASTER.  323 

ing  with  merry  jests  from  him  to  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Butler,  their  guests.  Hunt  had  not  seen  Gordon's 
face  look  so  joyous  and  free  from  care  for  weeks. 
He  knew  what  caused  that  relieved  expression,  as 
Gordon  chatted  with  his  friends,  unconscious  of  the 
impending  blow. 

As  Hunt  turned  away,  a  stern  voice  seemed  to 
demand  of  him,  "  Where  is  now  thy  brother  ?  "  and 
it  availed  him  little  to  reply,  "  His  blood  rests  not 
on  my  hands.  Am  I  my  brother's  keeper?" 

But  is  not  the  soul  more  than  the  body  ?  Is  not 
the  man  who  tampers  with  another's  integrity, 
who  corrupts  and  blasts  his  character,  a  deeper 
criminal  in  God's  sight? 

Beyond  in  the  bay-window,  seated  at  the  chess- 
table  where  he  had  sat  but  a  few  weeks  before, 
were  Julia  and  Graham.  Now,  out  in  the  darkness, 
he  watched  Graham  looking  down  with  an  earnest 
gaze  on  his  fair  opponent,  as  she  leaned  over  the 
board  ;  her  white  hand  resting  in  faultless  contrast 
on  the  black  knight  she  was  about  to  move ;  her 
forehead  slightly  drawn  by  lines  of  perplexed 
thought  ;  but  the  rich  color  coming  and  going  in 
her  cheeks,  and  the  shy  droop  of  her  eye-lashes, 
indicating  that  she  was  half-conscious  that  her 
companion's  thoughts  were  not  wholly  absorbed 
in  the  game. 

Hunt  knew  that  his  most  flattering  attentions 
had  never  brought  that  expression  to  her  face. 


324  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

Stung  by  jealousy,  yet  conscious  that  his  own  acts 
had  sealed  his  fate,  torn  and  tortured  by  remorse, 
he  put  spurs  to  his  horse  and  dashed  away,  trying 
to  outride  the  storm  of  passion  in  his  heart.  Alas  ! 
he  carried  the  storm  within  him.  Conscience  urged 
him  even  yet  to  pause.  But  with  a  mocking  jeer, 
the  demon  told  him  that  it  was  too  late.  Would 
he  like  to  face  a  jury  of  his  friends  and  business 
acquaintances  of  years,  as  a  culprit  at  the  bar  ?  To 
have  such  men  as  Walker  and  McQuaid  pointing 
at  him  with  the  finger  of  scorn  ?  "  But  there  is  a 
higher  bar,"  again  pleaded  conscience,  "  where  you 
must  meet  them  all,  and  eternal  punishment  will 
be  your  sentence  then." 

"  It's  a  lie,  a  fable,"  he  cried;  "  I  won't  believe 
it.  It's  nothing  but  luck.  I  will  try  mine  once 
more.  This  little  world  will  soon  forget  me,  and  I 
it ;  on  a  broader  theatre  I  will  compel  success ; 
but  " — and  then  came  the  fierce  counter-rush  of 
fears  and  forebodings  and  outraged  conscience — 
"  what,  what  then  if  I  fail  of  all  ?  fail  at  the  last  ?  " 

So  the  conflict  raged  that  night  in  a  human  soul 
more  grand  and  wild  than  that  even  which  had  so 
lately  been  witnessed,  when  the  ice  and  water 
rose  in  terrible  collision  on  the  banks  of  that 
now  peaceful  river — raged  long,  but  the  demon 
won. 

Going  back  to  the  house,  he  rode  around  by  the 
library,  where  he  saw  Ada  seated  under  the  lamp, 


DISASTER.  325 

reading  to  his  mother,  who  was  reclining  on  a 
sofa. 

For  a  moment  he  was  strongly  tempted  to'go  in 
and  confess  his  wrong,  and  beg  for  forgiveness  and 
sympathy.  If  there  were  any  in  the  wide  world 
who  loved  him,  they  were  those  two.  But  how 
much  was  their  love  worth?  Judging  by  his  own 
selfishness,  conscious  how  he  had  wronged  them, 
too,  could  he  believe  that  they  would  do  aught  but 
upbraid  him,  when  they  knew  that  all  their  prop 
erty,  intrusted  to  his  care,  was  gone  ?  No ;  he 
must  cut  loose  from  all  ties,  and  become  a  wanderer 
on  the  face  of  the  earth. 

And,  as  he  looked  at  his  mother's  face,  with  its 
weak,  fretful  lines,  he  excused  his  conduct  by  say 
ing  to  himself:  "  If  she  had  only  made  me  obedient 
when  a  boy  and  instilled  honest,  upright  principles, 
I  wouldn't  be  the  miserable  wretch  I  am  now,  or 
have  brought  this  disgrace  upon  them  all." 

So  she  reaped  the  seed  she  had  sown,  after  many 
days,  and  the  sight  of  a  mother's  face,  instead  of 
saving,  damned. 

Turning  away,  he  tied  his  horse,  and  quietly 
crept  up  to  his  room,  getting  some  valuables  that 
he  wished  to  take  with  him.  Then  stealing  out  ot 
the  house,  he  again  mounted  his  horse,  and  fled 
away  in  the  darkness;  and  the  elegant  and  accom 
plished  Mi.  Hunt,  who  had  been  courted  and 
admired  by  all,  spent  his  last  night  in  the  hotel, 


326  FORGING   THEIR  OWN  CHAINS. 

conscious  that  he  would  soon  be  known  in  his  true 
character  of  a  miserable  sneaking  thief,  fit  com 
rade  for  McQuaid  and  hfs  compeers,  the  scum  and 
off-scouring  of  the  earth. 


BENEATH  THE  SURFACE.  327 


CHAPTER   XXIV. 


BENEATH  THE   SURFACE. 

T  was  a  merry  party  that  started  on 
their  pleasure-trip  the  next  day.  Only 
Frank  Gordon  and  his  step-mother  re 
mained  to  keep  house  and  look  after  the 
baby  and  servants.  When  they  reached  the  hotel 
at  Scranton,  Graham  proposed  that  they  should 
take  a  carriage  immediately  and  visit  the  mines 
before  dressing  for  dinner.  This  was  received  with 
universal  favor,  and  they  were  soon  riding  toward 
the  Central  Colliery. 

"Will  you  go  into  the  mines,  Grace?"  asked 
Julia. 

"  No  ;  I  am  afraid.  I  never  relished  the  idea  of 
going  under-ground  alive.  I  suppose,  Mrs.  Butler, 
you  won't  attempt  it  either?" 

"  No,  dear  ;  it  is  nothing  new  to  me  ;  but  I  didn't 
mind  such  trips  when  I  was  younger.  Let  the 
young  ladies  go  down,  then  each  will  have  a  gen 
tleman  to  see  that  no  harm  befalls  them." 

"  I  doubt  if  my  courage  is  equal  to  the  enter- 


328  FORGING   TH-E1R  OWN  CHAINS. 

prise,"  said  Ada,  as  they  rode  up  in  front  of  the 
ugly,  black  breaker. 

"  I  will  take  good  care  of  you,  Miss  Ada,"  said 
Mr.  Butler,  offering  to  help  her  out.  But,  seeing 
the  smutted  faces  of  the  miners,  and  feeling  no 
particular  desire  to  go  under  Mr.  Butler's  escort, 
she  declined.  The  gentlemen  rallied  her  on  her 
want  of  courage,  but  were  not  very  loth  to  leave 
her  behind. 

When  Julia  stood  on  the  black  elevator  which 
was  to  take  her  far  into  the  depths  of  the  earth, 
Graham,  close  beside  her,  held  a  burning  lamp  at 
the  end  of  a  long  stick,  while  the  overseer  had 
another,  beside  the  one  fastened  to  his  cap. 

"  Are  you  afraid?  "  asked  Mr.  Butler. 

"  Oh,  no,"  she  replied  ;  "  this  is  only  reversing 
the  usual  process  at  the  hotels.  Here,  we  go  down 
first ;  but  what  is  to  stop  us  if  we  get  under  too 
much  speed?  " 

"  These  cogs,"  said  Graham  ;  "  they  would  catch 
and  hold  us  if  the  rope  broke." 

In  a  moment  more  they  reached  the  bottom  of 
the  mine,  and,  stepping  off  the  platform,  Julia  saw 
long,  dark  tunnels,  stretching  right  and  left,  where 
the  lamps,  fastened  to  the  miners'  caps,  flitted 
about  as  they  moved  here  and  there,  like  mam 
moth  fire-flies.  The  number  of  men  near  the 
shaft  made  it  seem  like  a  lighted  room,  its  hard, 
black  walls  glistening  under  their  lamps.  A  strong 


BENEATH  THE   SURFACE.  329 

current  of  cool,  fresh  air  fanned  their  cheeks  as 
they  passed  between  the  heavy  timbers  that  sup 
ported  the  roof  of  coal  or  rock  above  them. 

"  Take  care,  Miss  Julia.  Don't  get  too  close  to 
those  mules,"  said  Graham,  turning  hastily  around 
to  draw  her  back  from  the  track,  as  with  shouts  of 
men,  and  clanking  of  chains,  three  powerful  animals 
came  plunging  out  of  the  darkness  before  them, 
drawing  a  loaded  car  toward  the  shaft. 

"  Oh  !  poor  creatures,"  exclaimed  Julia.  "Think 
of  keeping  them  in  this  dismal  place.  "  Don't  they 
become  blind?" 

"  Oh,  no,  Miss,"  said  the  overseer.  "  They  are 
often  here  for  months.  I  will  show  you  their 
stable." 

He  conducted  them  through  strong  wooden  doors 
into  other  tunnels,  where  the  animals  at  rest  were 
feeding,  and  drinking  from  fresh  clear  water,  with 
not  a  gleam  of  light  to  guide  them. 

"  These  mules  scarcely  look  like  objects  of  pity, 
Miss  Julia,"  remarked  Graham. 

"  Nevertheless,  I  am  sorry  for  them.  They  are  a 
long-enduring  and  much-abused  race.  Do  they 
ever  go  on  a  strike  ?  " 

"Yes,  indeed,  Miss,"  said  the  boss-miner,  with  a 
laugh.  "  But  they  get  struck  back  so  hard  that 
they  are  glad  to  submit  and  go  to  work  again." 

On  their  return,  as  their  guide  drew  open  one  of 
the  broad  wooden  doors  the  strong  draft  blew  out 


330  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

their  lights.  They  stood  a  moment,  in  what  seemed 
to  Julia  the  blackness  of  darkness.  She  gave  a 
slight  cry  of  alarm,  but  Graham  instantly  grasped 
her  hand  in  a  firm  pressure  as  he  whispered, 
"  Don't  be  frightened,  Miss  Julia.  I  am  close  by 
you." 

"  I'll  have  my  matches  in  a  minute,"  said  the 
overseer.  He  struck  one  or  two  that  failed  to  light, 
but  Julia  now  was  not  troubled  at  the  delay,  and 
when  once  more  they  went  on  their  way,  she  did 
not  withdraw  her  hand,  which  Graham  still  retained 
under  pretext  of  helping  her  over  the  rough  broken 
coal  dropped  here  and  there  upon  the  track.  Old 
Mr.  Butler  strode  on  before,  holding  a  brisk  con 
versation  with  their  guide,  a  very  intelligent  miner. 

Julia  said  to  Graham,  as  they  slowly  followed, 
"  I  thought,  when  our  lights  went  out,  what  a  terri 
ble  position  it  would  be  to  get  lost  down  here, 
without  a  lamp  or  matches.  It  reminded  me  of 
descriptions  of  the  catacombs.  Did  you  ever  read 
'  The  Marble  Faun  ?  '  " 

"  Yes.  When  you  were  frightened  a  moment 
ago,  did  you  expect  to  see  Hawthorne's  '  Spectre  ' 
suddenly  appear,  threatening  henceforth  to  dog 
your  footsteps?" 

"  No.  But  one  could  find  him  here,  without 
much  stretch  of  the  imagination.  Do  you  see  that 
tall  miner  off  there  alone,  with  his  pick  now  raised  ? 
Wouldn't  he  answer  for  the  '  spectre  ?  ' ' 


BENEATH  THE  SURFACE.  331 

"  Let  us  take  a  nearer  view,  and  you  can  see 
how  the  coal  looks,  when  they  dig  it  out  of  the 
vein.  I  scarcely  think  you  need  fear  any 
apparitions." 

"  You  think  then  that  there  is  nothing  spiritual 
about  me  ?  " 

"  Nothing  ghostly,  Miss  Julia.  But  you  are  the 
bravest  woman  I  ever  knew." 

"  Because  I  had  the  courage  to  come  down  here  ? 
Perhaps,  though,  you  consider  me  rather  of  the 
amazon  order,  like  Biddy  Maguire?  In  character 
I  mean,  not  size,"  she  added  hastily,  meeting 
Graham's  laughing  eyes. 

But  their  expression  changed  to  deep  earnestness 
as  he  answered,  "  I  have  seen  nothing  in  your 
character  that  is  not  womanly.  That  does  not  of 
necessity,  however,  imply  weakness.  You  know 
that  I  have  witnessed  your  courage  meet  stronger 
tests  than  this  without  flinching.  And  none  was 
more  severe  than  the  siege  of  watching  you  passed 
through,  during  that  sickness  a  few  weeks  since.  I 
never  expect  to  have  a  harder  task  put  upon  me, 
than  it  was  to  leave  Cedar  Ridge  then." 

Julia's  cheeks  flushed  and  her  eyes  filled,  as  she 
said  in  a  low  voice,  "  You  are  right,  Mr.  Graham, 
that  was  the  hardest  experience  I  ever  had.  But  I 
learned  more  during  those  long  nights,  than  in  all 
my  life  before.  You  were  a  great  help  to  me"  then." 

Graham  turned  quickly,  and  looked  at  her  in- 


33 2  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

tently  for  a  moment,  as  with  a  thoughtful  face  she 
picked  her  way  over  the  coal. 

"  Will  you  tell  me  something  about  that  experi 
ence,  Miss  Julia,  when  we  have  a  chance  for  a  long 
talk  ?  If  you  only  knew  how  I  wanted  to  help 
you  !  " 

By  this  time  they  had  reached  the  end  of  the 
tunnel,  and  as  Julia  saw  the  man's  smutted  face 
and  bright  eyes  gleaming  on  her,  by  the  light  of 
his  lamp  fastened  just  above  them,  she  whispered, 
"  He  really  looks  more  like  a  fiend  than  a  spectre." 

"  I  think  we  will  find  him  a  harmless  one.  There 
is  no  appearance  of  dusky  wings." 

"  Good-day,  my  friend.  Here  is  a  lady  come  a 
long  distance,  to  see  how  you  dig  out  coal,"  said 
Graham,  addressing  the  miner. 

"  I'm  right  glad  to  see  you,  Miss.  It  isn't  often 
we've  visitors,  'specially  sich  purty  young  leddies." 

"  Oh  !  thank  you.  Have  you  a  blarney-stone 
down  here?  " 

"  Faith !  no,  Miss.  But  I  kissed  it  jist  afore  I 
started  from  ould  Ireland." 

"  I  thought  so,"  said  Julia,  laughing. 

"  But,  indade,  an'  that  remark  o'  mine  was  the 
blessed  truth,  an'  no  blarney,  as  I  doubt  not  the 
gintlemon  at  yer  side  has  often  tould  ye." 

"  I  might  think  it,  but  would  scarce  dare  tell 
her  so,"  said  Graham  laughing,  while  his  eyes 
spoke  for  him. 


BENEATH  THE  SURFACE.  333 

"  See  here  !  these  remarks  are  becoming  too  per 
sonal.  How  do  you  break  this  up,  so  that  you  can 
pick  it  out?"  asked  Julia,  hiding  her  blushes,  as 
she  stooped  to  examine  the  layers  of  coal. 

"  By  blasting,  Miss.  You  were  jist  a  bit  too 
late  for  that." 

"  Come,  young  folks,"  called  Mr.  Butler ;  "  we 
are  taking  too  much  time." 

"  I  wonder  when  I  get  out  of  here,  if  I  will  be 
'  meself,'  as  our  Irish  friend  there  would  say,  or 
changed  into  a  lady  of  color,"  said  Julia. 

"Very  highly  colored,  Miss  Julia,  judging  by 
appearafices  in  this  light." 

"  Why  !  am  I  so  dark  already  ?  " 

11  I  did  not  say  that  the  color  was  black." 

11  Is  there  any  way  to  get  out  of  here  other  than 
the  shaft?" 

"  Yes,  there  are  five  exits  to  this  mine.  Our 
entrances  at  Cedar  Ridge  Colliery  are  by  slopes 
and  drifts." 

"  What  are  they  ?  " 

"A  slope,  as  the  name  indicates,  is  an  inclined 
descent,  and  a  car  is  drawn  up  and  down  the  track, 
by  means  of  a  strong  iron  rope,  attached  to  a  sta 
tionary  engine.  A  drift  is  an  opening  in  the  side 
of  a  hill." 

"  Really,  since  I  have  been  down  here,  I  can 
hardly  wonder  that  the  miners  struck  at  a  reduc 
tion  of  their  wages.  I  don't  think  that  any  money 


334  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

would  tempt  me  to  work  in  this  awful  blackness. 
I  shall  appreciate  my  cheerful  grate-fire  more  than 
ever." 

"  It  isn't  an  easy  life.  But  those  that  work  here 
are  used  to  it,  and  prefer  it  to  being  above  ground. 
They  are  not  exposed  to  such  extremes  of  weather." 

On  their  way  to  the  shaft,  Graham  and  Julia 
exchanged  friendly  greetings  with  the  men,  and 
their  eyes  often  lit  up  with  pleasure  at  her  bright 
courteous  manner. 

They  rode  on  the  elevator  to  the  top  of  the 
breaker,  and  there  watched  the  loaded  cars  dump 
their  contents  down  an  inclined  plane,  wh«re  great 
cylinders,  amid  clouds  of  dust,  caught  and  broke 
up  the  coal.  As  Julia  saw  men  and  boys  sitting 
right  in  the  midst,  picking  out  slate,  she  exclaimed, 
"  I  would  rather  work  below,  than  breathe  that 
vile  dirt  all  the  time.  I  don't  wonder  that  the 
miners  say  so  much  against. their  children's  picking 
out  slate." 

"  Only  their  necessities  compel  them.  Poverty 
is  their  task-master,"  said  Mr.  Butler. 

Just  then,  as  they  were  going  down  the  stairs, 
a  man  stepped  forward,  and  handing  Graham  one 
of  Julia's  gloves,  said,  "Your  wife  dropped  that, 
sir,  on  the  floor  above." 

A  scarlet  flush  instantly  covered  both  their  faces, 
showing  him  his  mistake,  and  he  moved  off  with  a 
half  embarrassed,  half  amused  expression. 


BENEATH   THE   SURFACE.  335 

Julia  rushed  on  into  the  engine-room,  where  she 
became  very  much  absorbed  with  the  machinery. 

"  Coming  events  cast  their  shadows  before,  my 
dear,"  whispered  Mr.  Butler  at  her  side. 

"  Stupid  man,"  snapped  Julia,  then  walked  off 
and  engrossed  the  whole  attention  of  the  engineer, 
by  her  questions,  utterly  ignoring  both  gentlemen. 
As  she  stood  looking  at  the  large  roller,  on  which 
the  iron  rope  wound  and  unwound  as  the  unseen 
elevator  went  up  and  down,  Graham  came  to  her 
side,  and  with  laughing  eyes  handed  her  the  glove, 
saying,  "  Miss  Julia,  here  is  some  of  your  property." 

She  could  not  avoid  a  conscious  smile,  but  hastily 
turned  to  ask,  "  How  does  the  engineer  know  when 
to  wind  or  unwind  the  rope?" 

"  Do  you  hear  that  bell  tingle?  They  give  the 
signal  at  the  bottom  of  the  mine." 

"  Isn't  it  wonderful  how  any  one  could  think  it 
all  out?" 

"  It  is  the  work  of  many  minds  through  many 
years,  that  has  brought  it  all  to  its  present  per 
fection." 

"  See  here,  young  folks,  have  you  forgotten  that 
three  ladies  and  dinner  are  waiting  for  us  ?  "  asked 
Mr.  Butler.  "  It  is  well  you  have  a  sober  old  man 
with  you,  or  there  is  no  telling  when  you  would 
return.  Miss  Julia,  I  shall  report  you." 

"  But,  Mr.  Butler,  I  am  of  an  inquiring  mind, 
you  see." 


336  FORGING  THEIR  OWN  CHAINS. 

"  Ah !  you  think  circumstances  might  make  it 
well  to  be  posted  on  these  subjects  ?  "  replied  the 
old  gentleman,  as  he  followed  her  to  the  carriage. 

"  Knowledge  never  comes  amiss,  sir." 

"  My  dear  friends,  what  an  age  you  have  been 
gone  !  "  exclaimed  Grace,  as  they  appeared. 

"  We  thought  that  the  mines  must  have  caved  in 
and  buried  you,"  said  Ada. 

"  I  am  glad  to  see  that  you  could  bear  the 
thought  so  cheerfully,  Miss  Ada,"  answered  Mr. 
Butler.  "  Thanks  are  due  to  me  alone,  that  we  are 
here  now.  You  ought  to  have  seen  Miss  Julia 
flirting  with  that  handsome  engineer." 

"  Now  that's  a  slander,  sir.  I  was  only  asking 
questions  in  a  spirit  of  laudable  inquiry,"  cried 
Julia,  with  mock  indignation. 

"  Mr.  Butler,  you  should  have  heard  the  compli 
ments  the  miners  down  below  paid  her,"  said 
Graham. 

"I  overheard  one  at  the  top  of  the  breakers," 
replied  the  old  gentleman  demurely.  Both  his 
companions'  faces  flushed  again,  and  Graham  said 
in  a  low  tone,  while  his  eyes  furtively  sought 
Julia's,  "  I  think,  sir,  in  that  supposition,  I  received 
the  greater  compliment." 

Grace  looked  from  one  to  the  other,  and  a  dim 
perception  of  the  true  state  of  feeling  between 
Graham  and  Julia  dawned  upon  her,  and  also  a 
fear  lest  her  schemes  with  regard  to  Hunt  should 


BENEATH   THE   SURFACE.  337 

be  frustrated.  So,  in  as  irritable  a  tone  as  she 
ever  used,  she  exclaimed,  "  Really,  Mr.  Butler,  I 
get  out  of  all  patience  with  Julia.  She  is  so  ple 
beian  in  her  tastes.  I  am  afraid  that  some  day  she 
will  marry  a  man  without  a  cent,  and  utterly 
beneath  her  in  position." 

"  Are  you  afraid  that  I  will  disgrace  you,  my 
aristocratic  sister  ?  To  hear  you  talk  one  would 
think  we  Earles  were  daughters  of  some  old  noble 
man,  tracing  his  pedigree  back  to  the  Conquest,  or 
the  flood,  with  lions  rampant  on  our  shield." 

"  I  am  sure  the  Earles  of  New  York  are  one  of 
its  oldest  and  most  respectable  families.  I  have 
great  faith  in  good  family  blood ;  haven't  you,  Mr. 
Butler?" 

"  Yes,  where  it  consists  of  character." 

By  this  time  their  carriage  had  reached  the 
hotel,  and  it  was  a  relief  to  all  to  retire  to  their 
rooms^  and  rest  before  dinner.  When  Ada  found 
herself  alone,  she  sat  down  on  her  lounge,  with  an 
expression  of  weariness  and  disgust,  and  soon 
became  absorbed  in  painful  thought. 

She  would  not  have  accepted  the  invitation  to 
join  this  party,  if  she  had  not  been  impelled  by 
several  contradictory  motives.  None  of  them 
were  very  congenial  companions,  and  she  knew 
that  her  presence  was  no  addition  to  their  pleasure, 
although  she  could  not  complain  of  lack  of  polite- 
nesF 

15 


33  8  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

She  had  received  letters  from  Stokes,  telling  her 
that  he  would  arrive  at  Cedar  Ridge  about  that  time, 
and  pressing  her  for  a  final  answer.  In  these 
letters,  he  had  so  contrived  to  throw  out  hints 
and  insinuations  against  Hunt's  credit,  his  sus 
picions  of  Hunt's  treachery  toward  him,  and  his 
power  to  take  revenge  on  those  that  played  him 
false,  that  Ada  was  kept  in  a  very  uncomfortable 
frame  of  mind. 

She  knew  that  Stokes  loved  her,  and  that  he 
would  hesitate  at  no  step  by  which  he  might 
secure  her.  But  she  felt  such  a  dread  of  him,  that 
at  times  she  believed  that  even  if  she  lost  her 
cousin,  she  would  do  anything  rather  than  marry 
him.  Then  the  picture  he  drew  of  the  wealth  he 
would  lavish  upon  her,  and  the  gay  world  on  the 
other  side  of  the  ocean  to  which  he  would  intro 
duce  her,  looked  much  more  attractive  than  having 
to  earn  her  living.  So  she  was  not  prepared  to 
give  his  proposal  a  final  rejection. 

She  knew  that  Hunt  had  intended  to  make 
some  excuse  to  keep  Graham  back,  and  take  his 
place  on  this  trip.  Why  he  had  not  carried  out 
his  purpose  she  could  not  imagine,  unless  Stokes's 
coming  had  made  it  necessary  for  him  to  remain. 
One  of  the  servants  told  her  that  Hunt  had  been 
at  the  house  and  in  his  room  the  night  before 
they  started.  She  had  tried  his  door,  and  found  it 
locked.  She  could  hardly  believe  it  possible  that 


BENEATH   THE   SURFACE.  339 

he  had  been  there,  and  seen  none  of  the  family ; 
yet  a  feeling  of  undefined  dread — a  presentiment 
of  coming  trouble — haunted  her. 

"  Oh ! "  she  thought,  "  if  I  could  only  lift  the 
veil  from  the  future  for  a  little.  It  is  so  hard  to 
wait." 

If? — If  past  warnings  were  unheeded,  would  she 
have  met  the  test,  when  it  came,  with  a  truer, 
braver  spirit  ? 


340  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

A   LEAP    IN   THE   DARK. 

FTER  the  ladies  had  retired  for  the 
night,  Mr.  Butler  asked  Graham  if  he 
would  give  him  his  company,  while  he 
smoked  a  cigar  out  on  the  veranda? 
Maurice  readily  assented,  and  sitting  comfort 
ably  in  their  chairs,  they  watched  the  still  busy 
street,  and  the  long  trains  of  cars  as  they  moved 
into  the  station,  paused  a  few  moments,  and  then 
sped  away  and.  disappeared  around  the  distant 
hills.  For  some  time  both  were  silent,  the  puffs 
of  smoke  from  the  old  man's  cigar  curling  up 
around  his  gray  hairs,  till,  taking  it  from  his  lips, 
he  asked  abruptly,  "  What  are  you  going  to  do, 
Maurice  ?  Be  a  superintendent  of  coal  mines  all 
your  days  ?  " 

With  a  painful  start,  Graham  replied,  "  Are  you 
a  clairvoyant,  sir,  that  you  give  such  exact  ex 
pression  to  my  thoughts?  I  have  a  strong  motive, 
I  might  almost  say  a  passionate  desire,  Mr.  Butler, 
to  be  in  a  different  position."  Then  pausing,  he 
added  with  quiet  firmness,  "But  having  a  widowed 


A   LEAP  IN   THE  DARK.  341 

mother,  and  two  young  brothers  dependent  on  me, 
I  must  not  give  up  a  certain  support,  for  any  ven 
tures.  It  was  folly  to  think  of  it." 

"  Will  you  allow  an  old  man  the  privilege  of 
speaking  frankly,  on  a  subject  he  has  very  much 
at  heart?" 

"  Certainly,  sir.  But  I  am  weak  to-night. 
Don't  tempt  me,  Mr.  Butler."  And  he  heaved  a 
deep  sigh,  as  if  in  response  to  his  own  thoughts. 

"  My  poor  boy !  You  have  had  to  carry  heavy  bur 
dens  for  your  years,"  said  the  old  man,  laying  his 
hand  gently  on  Graham's  shoulder,  while  a  mist 
gathered  before  his  eyes.  "  Do  you  know  that 
you  remind  me  so  constantly  of  our  Will?  He 
would  have  been  just  your  age  now." 

Maurice  grasped  his  companion's  hand,  saying, 
"  We're  all  tested  in  some  way,  sir.  It  is  hard  to 
have  our  dearest  hopes  blighted,  but  perhaps  here 
after  we  shall  see  the  wherefore." 

A  long  pause  followed,  and  the  cigar  was  smoked 
out  and  thrown  away.  Then  Mr.  Butler  said  : 

"  Maurice,  I  told  you  I  intended  to  speak  frank 
ly.  Will  you  listen,  and  accept  my  proposition 
in  the  spirit  in  which  it  is  offered  ?  " 

"  I  think  I  can  trust  you,  sir,  not  to  ask  what  it 
would  be  unworthy  of  me  to  grant." 

"  Then,  will  you  come  into  our  home — you  are 
already  in  our  hearts — and  take  the  place  of  the  son 
we  have  lost  ?  " 


342  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

11  Why,  Mr.  Butler  !  I  am  not — I  have  no  claim," 
he  exclaimed,  springing  to  his  feet  in  intense  ex 
citement. 

"  Wait,  Graham,  listen  till  I  am  through.  Neith 
er  Mrs.  Butler  nor  myself  have  any  near  connec 
tions  who  have  claims  upon  us.  We  were  attracted 
toward  you  from  the  first  of  our  acquaintance, 
and  this  attachment  has  been  growing  every  day 
as  your  noble  character  has  been  revealed  to  us. 
We  are  getting  old  and  need  a  strong  young  arm 
to  lean  upon  as  we  go  down  into  the  dark  valley. 
If  you  would  take  my  name,  Maurice,  I  could  from 
henceforth  live  in  your  future.  Your  mother  has 
two  other  sons.  I  know  that  your  father  and  my 
boy  in  heaven  would  rejoice  at  this  new  earthly 
bond.  Will  you,  Maurice  ?  " 

"  Mr.  Butler,  I  truly  appreciate  this  honor.  If  I 
can  in  any  way  contribute  to  your  happiness,  I 
will  gladly  do  so.  But  in  regard  to  your  generous 
offer,  I  hardly  know  what  to  say,  or  how  to  ex 
press  my  feelings,  sir,  so  you  will  understand  the 
motives  that  govern  me.  As  I  said  before,  I  am 
not  a  free  man  to  choose  ;  I  have  those  dependent 
on  me." 

"  I  see  what  you  mean,  but,  Graham,  I  intend  to 
place  you  in  a  position  where  you  can  support 
them  better  than  now.  You  and  I  have  had  many 
a  talk  on  the  management  of  this  coal  trade,  and 
the  strikes  among  the  miners.  I  propose  setting 


A   LEAP  IN  THE  DARK.  343 

you  up  in  the  business,  and  then  we  can  see  how 
these  theories  work  when  put  into  practice.  I 
won't  press  you  for  an  answer  to-night.  I  know 
that  your  heart  is  in  the  right  place.  I  would  not 
see  you  neglect  any  present  claim  or  duty,  but  I 
think  that  they  need  not  conflict.  Our  home  would 
be  much  happier  for  your  presence.  And  if  you 
should  bring  a  wife  there,  the  mother's  cup  of  joy 
would  be  full.  I  know  a  little  girl  that  I  could 
recommend,  but  maybe  we  don't  think  alike. 
Good-night.  We'll  talk  this  over  more  fully  when 
we  return  home." 

Graham  wrung  the  old  man's  hands,  but  could 
find  no  expression  in  words.  When  alone,  as  he 
again  looked  up  at  the  beautiful  star-lit  sky,  he 
thought  how  changed  it  was  from  an  hour  before. 
Then  so  cold,  so  unattainable  in  its  glittering 
light,  fit  emblem  of  the  bright  hopes  that  he  felt 
must  be  banished  from  his  heart.  Now,  sparkling 
and  dancing  with  joy. 

Early  the  next  morning,  when  the  party  started 
on  their  trip,  a  gray  mist  hung  over  the  town.  But 
Mr.  Butler  relieved  their  apprehensions  of  a  dull 
day,  by  assuring  them  that  the  sun  would  soon 
dispel  the  fog.  When  they  reached  the  station  at 
Dunmore  his  prophecy  was  fulfilled,  and  the  mist 
lifted  like  a  curtain  from  before  a  beautiful  picture, 
showing  the  mountain  clothed  in  every  shade  of 
green,  from  the  sombre  pines  to  the  golden-tipped 


344  FORGING   THEIR  OWN   CHAINS. 

hemlocks  ;  while  in  the  deep  ravines,  dark  gray 
masses  of  vapor  still  rolling  upward  gave  the  ef 
fect  of  a  half-revealed  mystery  to  the  landscape. 

"  Oh,  isn't  it  beautiful  ?  Look  how  the  sunlight 
glorifies  those  wreaths  of  smoke,  rising  from  the 
top  of  that  hill,"  exclaimed  Julia.  "  One  might  im 
agine  it  a  morning  sacrifice.  I  don't  wonder  that 
the  old  Israelites  chose  groves  and  high  places 
for  their  altars." 

"  Mammon  is  the  god  worshiped  there,  I  fancy. 
I  did  not  believe  that  anything  about  a  coal-breaker 
could  be  pretty,  Miss  Julia,  but  that  smoky  effect 
is  certainly  very  fine,"  said  Mr.  Butler. 

"  O  Joe !  you  are  too  practical.  You  let  one 
down  so  uncomfortably,"  replied  his  wife. 

"  No,  my  dear,  we  are  all  going  up  now.  Please 
take  my  arm,  for  that  iron  rope  fastened  to  our  car 
will  draw  us  to  the  top  of  the  first  plane." 

There  were  but  few  other  passengers,  and  it  was 
with  unfeigned  surprise  that  they  recognized  Mr. 
Stokes  among  the  number.  When  he  greeted 
Ada,  an  expression  of  apprehension  and  repug 
nance  was  also  plainly  visible  on  her  face,  but  he 
gave  it  no  apparent  heed. 

With  a  great  effort  for  self-control,  she  managed 
as  he  took  her  hand,  to  say  easily,  "  This  is  an  un 
expected  pleasure,  Mr.  Stokes.  When  did  you 
return  from  New  York?  " 

"  On  Monday.     I  learned  from  your  cousin,  Mr. 


A   LEAP  IN   THE  DARK.  345 

Hunt,  of  your  trip,  and  found  that  I  could  make 
my  arrangements  to  join  you.  I  hope  I  shall  not 
be  considered  intrusive." 

"  Was  Mr.  Stokes  ever  that  ?  Why  didn't  Henry 
come  with  you  ?  " 

Ada  was  intensely  anxious  to  know  the  result  of 
their  operation  in  New  York,  and  felt  very  much 
embarrassed  and  uncertain  how  to  treat  Stokes. 
He  read  her  thoughts,  and  watching  an  opportunity 
when  the  attention  of  the  others  was  absorbed  with 
the  scenery,  said  in  a  low  tone,  "  Mr.  Hunt  went 
to  New  York  on  business.  He  has  neither  time 
nor  inclination  for  pleasure-trips  now,  Miss  Ada." 

His  manner  and  the  expression  of  his  eyes  con 
veyed  more  me'aning  than  his  words.  Ada  turned 
very  pale,  as  a  suspicion  of  the  truth  flashed  upon 
her ;  but  looking  up  with  a  defiant  glance  she 
asked,  "  Have  you  dared  to  play  him  false  ?  " 

A  deadly  light  like  the  glare  of  a  wild  beast 
upon  its  prey,  shone  for  a  moment  in  his  eyes,  as 
he  hissed  his  answer  so  close  that  it  could  reach 
no  other  ear. 

"  Your  cousin  has  but  reaped  as  he  has  sown, 
and  were  it  not  for  the  chance  of  escape  I  am  now 
giving  him,  a  felon's  trial  and  punishment  would 
await  him." 

"  I  don't  believe  you  !  "  she  exclaimed,  turning 
passionately  on  him. 

"  We  are  not  yet  alone,  I  would  advise  you  to 


346  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

keep  cool."  Then  added  aloud,  "  It  is  actually  so. 
This  gravity  road  is  made  entirely  of  refuse  coal- 
dust,  or  culm,  as  they  call  it.  Miss  Hunt,  if  you 
will  come  to  the  rear  platform,  I  can  show  you  the 
proof  of  what  I  say." 

Ada  rose,  and  glancing  around,  saw  Julia's  eyes 
fixed  upon  her  in  keen  scrutiny.  She  was  too  far 
away  to  hear  their  first  remarks,  but  Ada  immedi 
ately  realized  the  necessity  of  avoiding  suspicion, 
from  her  especially,  and  replied  with  a  light  laugh, 

"  It  seems  impossible,  Mr.  Stokes,  that  they 
would  use  such  material  to  make  a  road.  Why 
not  ordinary  earth  embankments  ?  " 

"  Because  they  felt  that  this  was  putting  it  to  the 
best  account."  In  a  moment  more  they  stood  out 
side,  but  the  door  was  fastened  open,  and  Ada  saw 
that  she  must  still  act  with  great  caution.  So  in  a 
calm  tone  she  asked  : 

"  What  proof  have  you  of  your  assertion,  Mr. 
Stokes  ?  " 

"  A  letter  from  Hunt  to  yourself.  " 

"  Give  it  to  me,  please." 

"  It  must  of  necessity  be  a  great  shock  to  you. 
I  am  exceedingly  anxious  to  shield  your  cousin 
from  disgrace,  and  it  is  of  the  utmost  importance 
that  no  suspicions  are  aroused,  till  he  is  safely  out 
of  the  country.  I  trust  your  regard  for  him  is  still 
sufficient  to  induce  you  to  aid  me  in  this  effort. 
When  we  reach  Hawley,  I  will  engage  a  carriage  to 
14* 


A    LEAP  IN  THE  DARK.  347 

visit  Paupack  Falls,  and  thus  have  an  opportunity 
for  private  conversation  ;  I  have  much  of  great  im 
portance  to  communicate." 

Here  he  was  interrupted  by  Grace  and  Mr. 
Butler,  and  soon  the  whole  party  joined  them. 
The  conversation  became  general  in  comments  on 
the  beautiful  scenery  through  which  they  were  so 
rapidly  speeding,  without  any  apparent  motive 
power.  Ada  remained  very  quiet  outwardly,  her 
eye  roving  far  over  the  Moosic  Highlands,  where 
the  hills  rose  one  above  another  in  wide  graceful 
curves,  some  black  with  heavy  cloud  shadows, 
others  bathed  in  floods  of  golden  light.  They 
might  have  been  as  barren  and  unattractive  as  the 
Sahara,  for  all  impression  made  upon  her  brain,  for 
beneath  her  calm  exterior  was  waging  a  war  of 
fiercely-contending  passions. 

It  was  a  relief  when  Hawley  was  reached,  and 
she  actually  found  herself  riding  with  Stokes 
toward  the  Falls,  the  carriage  containing  the  rest  of 
the  party  behind  them. 

Her  first  request  was  for  the  promised  letter. 
She  tore  it  open  tremblingly,  yet  with  apparent 
self-control,  conscious  that  Stokes's  eyes  were 
fastened  upon  her. 

It  was  the  old  familiar  hand-writing,  but  the 
characters  seemed  burned  into  her  brain  with  fire. 
It  ran  as  follows  : 


348  FORGING  THEIR  OWN  CHAINS. 

DEAR  ADA: 

Stokes  will  remain  over  to-night,  and  has  promised 
to  hand  you  this  note.  I  believe  that  I  can  trust 
you  not  to  betray  me.  Luck  has  been  against  me 
all  winter.  Hoping  to  save  myself,  I  have  become 
heavily  involved,  and,  unfortunately,  have  also 
involved  others.  Gordon  and  the  directors  of  the 
bank  will  be  inclined  to  take  revenge ;  for  when  a 
man  fails,  all  his  creditors  pounce  like  vultures 
upon  him.  I  have,  therefore,  thought  it  wisest  to 
get  beyond  their  clutches  till  the  wheel  of  fortune 
takes  a  new  turn.  The  rich  old  uncles  will  come  to 
the  rescue ;  they  will  see  that  you  are  all  taken  care 
of  for  the  credit  of  the  family.  This  was  not 
exactly  the  return  I  meant  to  make  for  your 
kind  efforts  in  my  behalf.  Let  me  commend  my 
old  mother  to  your  tender  care.  I  didn't  even 
dare  say  "  good-bye  "  to  her.  Hoping  to  see  you 
again  under  more  prosperous  circumstances,  I 
remain  as  ever,  Your  affectionate  cousin, 

HENRY. 

Ada  crushed  the  paper  in  her  hand.  Was  this 
heartless  letter  the  end  of  all  intercourse  with  the 
man  she  had  loved  since  childhood  ? 

Necessity  made  her  mind  unusually  active  and 
clear.  She  immediately  grasped  the  whole  situa 
tion  in  all  its  painful  details.  She  saw  the  conster 
nation  and  anger  of  Gordon  and  his  uncle,  and  the 


A   LEAP  IN   THE  DARK.  349 

weak  complainings  of  his  mother  and  Grace,  that 
would  be  called  forth  when  Hunt's  defalcations 
became  known.  In  imagination  she  beheld  old 
John  Gordon,  blustering  and  irritable,  venting  his 
wrath  on  whoever  was  nearest,  while  her  aunt 
fainted,  and  Julia  stormed,  and  Grace  sided  first 
with  one,  then  the  other.  She  had  a  morbid  hor 
ror  of  painful  scenes,  and  knew  that  there  would 
be  neither  sympathy  nor  desire  for  her  presence 
there.  No  doubt  her  property  and  what  little  her 
aunt  possessed  was  gone.  They  would  even  be 
inclined  to  suspect  her  of  complicity  with  Hunt, 
knowing  they  had  had  so  many  private  interviews 
lately.  What  should  she  do?  What  could  she  do  ? 

Stokes  pretended  to  be  wholly  absorbed  in  man 
aging  his  spirited  horse,  and  left  her  alone  to  her 
thoughts. 

But  the  ride  was  a  short  one,  and  a  few  moments' 
rapid  driving  brought  them  to  the  lower  falls.  He 
helped  her  out,  and,  fastening  his  horse,  walked 
with  her  to  the  edge  of  the  bank  where,  just  above 
them,  the  water  fell  partly  in  terraces  of  foamy 
whiteness  and  partly  in  a  sheer  leap  of  seventy 
feet,  to  the  rocks  beneath. 

"  Here,  Miss  Ada,  is  a  path  leading  down  below 
the  falls,  where  we  can  find  a  seat,  and  talk  undis 
turbed.  I  think  you  and  I  have  something  more 
important  to  occupy  our  attention  now,  than  the 
beauties  of  nature." 


35°  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

"  Where  are  the  rest  of  the  party?  " 

"  They  have  gone  on  to  the  upper  falls.  Give 
rhe  your  hand  and  I  will  guide  you  down." 

He  led  her  to  a  point  where  the  overhanging 
rocks  formed  a  little  cave,  with  a  large,  flat  stone  for 
a  seat.  Here  they  could  talk,  their  voices  drowned 
by  the  roar  of  the  waters. 

"  Miss  Hunt,"  said  Stokes,  still  retaining  her 
hand,  "  are  you  prepared  to  give  me  an  answer 
yet  ?  You  must  be  aware  that  I  am  anxiously 
awaiting  to  hear  my  fate." 

Ada  snatched  away  her  hand,  and  exclaimed, 
bitterly :  "  Mr.  Stokes,  what  do  you  mean  ?  Surely 
you  cannot  —  this  is  no  time  to  think  of  such 
matters." 

"  There  can  be  no  more  fitting  time — for  you  at 
least,  Miss  Ada." 

"  Again  I  ask,  what  do  you  mean  ?  " 

"  If  you  will  listen  patiently,  I  will  now  tell  you. 
It  is  useless  to  repeat,  I  love  you ;  that  you  know 
already.  I  also  know  that  you  are  now  penniless. 
Mrs.  Gordon  can  no  longer  afford  you  a  home. 
Wait — listen ;  I  take  no  advantage  from  that  fact, 
except  to  lay  before  you  anew,  an  offer  of  mar 
riage,  and  to  only  insist  that  now,  at  once,  your  an 
swer  must  be  given,  your  decision  made.  I  have 
no  longer  an  object  to  detain  me  in  this  region, 
and  business  demands  my  presence  in  the  West, 
immediately.  If,  instead  of  returning  with  your 


A   LEAP  IN  THE  DARK.  351 

party,  you  will  remain  here  and  marry  me,  to 
night  we  can  start  on  the  Erie  road,  on  our  way 
toward  San  Francisco.  From  there  I  will  take  you 
to  Europe,  and  a  life  of  wealth  and  happiness  lies 
before  you.  You  know,  too  well,  the  other  alter 
native." 

"  But,  Mr.  Stokes,  why  not  wait  a  little?  No 
girl  likes  to  steal  away  in  this  clandestine  manner. 
Your  offer  is  generous,  honorable,  I  appreciate  it. 
Come  back  with  us,  and  I  will  be  married  among 
my  friends." 

"  Your  friends  will  be  in  an  excellent  mood  for 
marriage  festivities,  with  disgrace  and  failure  star 
ing  them  in  the  face !  Miss  Ada,  if  we  go  back,  it 
will  be  as  witnesses  at  your  cousin's  trial.  Do  you 
care  to  stand  under  oath,  and  declare  what  you 
know  of  his  doings  ?  Are  you  prepared  to  hear  all 
that  I  may  have  the  power  to  reveal,  interviews 
at  early  breakfast  hours,  and  the  like?  " 

Ada  gave  a  violent  start,  but  taking  no  notice 
he  continued,  "  No !  You  must  decide  whether 
you  take  my  offer  as  it  now  stands.  We  can  be 
married  here  after  the  return  train  leaves  for  Scran- 
ton.  We  will  remain  where  we  are,  and  give  the 
impression  that  we  were  too  late.  You  can  write 
to  your  friends,  telling  them  what  you  have  done. 
I  do  not  think  that  under  present  circumstances 
they  will  lay  it  very  much  to  heart,  or  be  severe  in 
their  judgment.' 


352  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

Ada  writhed  under  this  stinging  sarcasm,  but 
she  knew  that  it  was  too  true.  Not  in  the  wide 
world  was  there  one  who  would  give  her  more 
than  a  passing  thought.  She  knew  that  this  man 
loved  her,  but  what  was  his  passion  worth  ?  When 
the  first  fervor  was  over,  would  he  still  be  true  to 
her?  She  was  conscious  that  she  did  not  care  for 
him,  that  in  fact  she  almost  hated  him.  But  how 
could  she  take  the  other  alternative,  and  go  among 
the  toiling  ranks  of  homeless,  friendless  women,  to 
earn  a  living? 

Just  then  Mr.  Butler's  voice  was  heard  above 
the  roar  of  the  water,  telling  them  that  it  was 
time  to  return.  She  looked  up  and  saw  Gra 
ham  standing  on  the  rocks  above,  and  she  thought 
of  the  time  when  he  sought  her,  believing  her 
all  that  was  noble  and  true,  and  unconsciously 
she  heaved  a  deep  sigh  of  regret  for  that  lost 
position. 

"  For  of  all  sad  words  of  tongue,  or  pen, 
The  saddest  are  these,  '  It  might  have  been.'  " 

"Ada,  Ada,  darling,  choose  now  or  we  part !  " 
whispered  Stokes,  drawing  her  toward  him. 

She  looked  down  to  the  black  water,  shuddered 
and  longed  to  plunge  in,  and  so  end  the  struggle ; 
then  up  to  the  heavy  clouds,  which  were  hurrying 
across  the  sky;  she  felt  a  shivering  presentiment  of 


A  LEAP  IN  THE  DARK.  353 

misery  to  come,  if  she  yielded,  and  almost  resolved 
to  dare  the  worst,  and  be  true  to  her  better  self. 
But  Stokes  drew  her  still  closer,  and  his  eyes 
demanded  their  answer,  with  a  passionate  power. 
Oh,  what  should  she  do  ? 


354  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

DISCOVERY. 

HEN  the  train  left  the  station  that  after 
noon  Stokes  and  Ada  were  not  with  the 
party. 

Julia  had  been  feeling  depressed  all 
day.  Now  that  her  sister's  suspicions  were  fully 
aroused  she  had  taken  pains  to  keep  her  and  Gra 
ham  from  any  private  tete-ii-tetes,  and  had  tried  to 
convince  Julia  that  Graham  was  either  very  fickle 
in  his  love,  or  had  turned  from  Ada  to  seek  her 
for  her  wealth.  She  had  too  much  confidence  in 
his  integrity  to  believe  this  assertion,  and  knew 
that  Ada's  own  conduct  had  alienated  his  regard  ; 
but  her  sister's  words  left  a  sting. 

Stokes's  unexpected  appearance,  and  now  his  and 
Ada's  non-appearance,  gave  an  intense  apprehen 
sion  of  something  wrong  to  the  minds  of  all.  It 
was  a  silent,  dejected  pleasure- party  therefore, 
that  turned  toward  Dunmore.  The  scenery  was 
not  as  attractive,  their  way  lying  mostly  through 
the  heart  of  a  gloomy  forest,  that  lacked  the 
bright  sunlight  glinting  between  the  interlacing 


DISCOVERY.  355 

branches.  But  when  near  the  end  of  the  journey, 
on  making  a  sharp  turn  they  reached  Barney's 
Bluffs,  towering  high  above  them,  with  vast  walls 
of  unbroken  green  or  sheer  rock  curving  round 
like  some  giant's  amphitheatre,  Julia  sprang  to  her 
feet  exclaiming,  "  Oh  !  isn't  this  grand?  " 

"  Miss  Julia,  come  to  the  rear  platform  and  take 
in  the  whole  effect.  It  changes  with  still  greater 
beauty  every  moment  now,"  said  Graham,  coming 
quickly  to  her  side. 

"  Yes,  indeed.  But  can  we  stand  there  safely 
while  going  so  fast  ?  " 

"  Take  my  arm  and  steady  yourself  with  your 
other  hand  on  that  iron  bar,  then  you  cannot  fall." 

So  they  sped  on  circling  round  the  bluffs,  half 
way  up  their  sides,  sometimes  through  cuts  in  the 
rocks,  where  in  every  crevice  and  fissure  green 
vines,  fragrant  ferns,  and  delicate  mosses  were 
growing,  then  by  overhanging  cliffs,  where  immense 
masses  had  been  blasted  away  to  give  space  for 
the  track ;  the  great  rough  blocks  lying  piled  one 
upon  another  on  the  sides,  and  at  the  foot  of  the 
precipice  below. 

Graham  held  Julia  firmly,  while  she  looked  down 
into  the  chasm  where  Roaring  Brook  leaped  and 
sparkled  over  its  stony  bed.  There  was  a  mur 
mur  of  voices  behind  them  ;  but  as  they  stood  thus 
looking  back  at  the  grand  cliffs  which  seemed  to 
close  behind  them  as  the  car  sped  down  the  track, 


356  FORGING  THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

they  two  felt  alone,  in  one  of  nature's  vast  for 
tresses,  and  the  mountain  spirits  who  dwelt  there 
wove  their  magic  spells  about  them,  and  united 
them  with  a  bond  that  could  never  more  be 
severed. 

When  they  returned  to  the  hotel  at  Scranton, 
Graham  found  a  telegram  awaiting  him  from  Frank 
Gordon,  telling  of  the  robbery  of  the  bank,  and 
requesting  him  to  start  immediately  for  Philadel 
phia  to  inform  his  uncle  John  Gordon,  and  employ 
detectives  to  discover  the  thieves. 

The  rest  returned  to  Cedar  Ridge  with  troubled 
hearts.  Frank  Gordon  met  them,  looking  anxious 
and  careworn,  but  gave  as  brief  replies  as  possible 
to  their  questions.  There  was  something  mysteri 
ous  about  the  whole  matter,  and  Grace  and  Julia 
did  not  sleep  much  that  night.  The  next  day 
wore  away,  full  of  uneasy  rumors,  and  anxieties 
about  Ada. 

Near  nightfall  Graham  and  Uncle  John  arrived. 
He  was  a  small  spare  man,  and  quick  and  nervous 
in  his  movements.  His  first  question  to  his 
nephew  was,  "  Has  Hunt  returned  yet?  " 

"  No,  sir ;  "  answered  Frank,  with  evident  reluc 
tance. 

"  Have  you  telegraphed  him  the  news  ? "  he 
asked  again  impatiently,  without  stopping  to  ac 
knowledge  Grace's  greeting  or  Julia's  introduction 
with  more  than  a  quick  nod  of  the  head. 


DISCOVERY.  357 

"  Yes,  sir ;  but  I  have  received  no  answer.  I 
can't  account  for  it,  unless  he  is  on  his  way  back, 
and  did  not  wait  to  reply." 

"  You  will  not  hear  of  him  from  that  quarter," 
said  one  of  the  directors  ot  the  bank,  who  entered 
just  then. 

"  What  do  you  mean,  sir?  "  asked  old  Mr.  Gor 
don,  sharply.  But  Frank  stepped  forward  to  wel 
come  his  visitor,  and  said:  "Allow  me  to  intro 
duce  Mr.  Barlow,  uncle." 

Both  gentlemen  acknowledged  the  courtesy,  but 
were  evidently  under  too  strong  excitement  for 
much  formality.  Frank  turned  again  to  the  di 
rector,  and  asked  eagerly : 

"  Have  you  received  tidings  from  Hunt  ?  " 

"  No,  but  I  have  heard  of  him.  I  have  just  had 
a  letter  from  Stokes,  who  was  his  agent  in  his 
Wall-street  speculations,  where  he  had  been  using 
the  bank  funds,  and  all  else,  I  fancy,  intrusted  to 
him.  Failing  of  success,  and  knowing  that  his 
peculations  would  be  immediately  discovered,  he, 
on  Tuesday  night,  entered  the  bank,  disguised  as 
a  common  thief,  secured  all  that  he  could  lay  his 
hands  on,  and  escaped  to  Canada.  This  letter  says 
that  we  will  probably  find  him  hiding  in  some 
obscure  tavern  in  Montreal,  if  he  has  not  yet 
sailed  for  Europe.  I  sent  on  detectives  immedi 
ately." 

Frank  Gordon  turned  ghastly  pale,  and  stagger- 


358  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

ing  to  a  seat  by  his  wife,  groaned,  "  O  Grace  !  he 
has  ruined  us  !  " 

His  uncle  grasped  his  arm,  demanding,  "  Did 
you  know  of  this  before,  Frank?" 

"  No,  sir;  and  I  can  hardly  believe  it  now." 

"Why  trust  the  story  of  that  adventurer 
Stokes?"  asked  Julia,  indignantly.  "He  is  more 
likely  to  be  the  thief  himself,  and  has  now  run 
off  with  Ada,  and  taken  this  way  to  cover  his 
tracks.  I  believe  him  capable  of  anything." 

"  Yes,  Mr.  Barlow,"  exclaimed  Graham,  com 
ing  forward,  "  that  does  not  seem  improbable. 
What  proof  have  you  of  the  truth  of  his 
story?  " 

"  None,  except  circumstantial  evidence,  Hunt's 
sudden  disappearance,  and  our  inability  to  trace 
him,  coupled  with  the  statement  Stokes  gives,  that 
Hunt  cheated  him  out  of  ten  thousand  dollars,  and 
he  meant  thus  to  have  his  revenge.  He  suspected 
Hunt,  kept  a  watch  upon  him,  and  thus  made  his 
discovery.  He  says  that  important  business  takes 
him  West,  but  he  can  be  interviewed  at  the  Sher 
man  House,  Chicago.  I  have  also  sent  parties  in 
search  of  him.  What  is  this  that  you  say  about 
his  running  off  with  Miss  Hunt?  " 

"  He  joined  us  at  Dunmore,  and  went  with  us 
over  the  gravity  road  to  Hawley,  and  he  and  Miss 
Ada  did  not  return  ;  but  I  have  a  letter  from  her 
to  you,  Mrs.  Gordon,  which  came  by  the  evening 


DISCOVERY.  359 

mail.  This  may  throw  more  light  on  the  subject," 
answered  Graham. 

Grace  was  too  alarmed  and  bewildered  to  read 
it,  so  Julia  tore  open  the  envelope  and  ran  hastily 
over  its  contents,  then  said  ;  "  They  missed  the 
train.  Ada  writes  that  she  has  accepted  an  offer 
from  Mr.  Stokes,  and,  under  the  circumstances, 
thought  it  wisest  to  be  married  at  once,  and  go 
with  him  West,  as  he  was  then  on  the  way  to 
Chicago.  She  wishes  her  trunks  sent  on  immedi 
ately  to  the  Sherman  House." 

This  but  confirmed  their  fears  in  regard  to  Hunt, 
and  old  Mr.  Gordon  again  demanded  of  his  nephew 
if  he  knew  that  Hunt  was  speculating  in  Wall 
street,  through  this  man,  and  if  Grace's  property 
or  the  funds  of  the  firm  were  involved. 

Frank  was  speechless,  and  cowered  under  the 
pressure  of  his  uncle's  hand. 

"  Why  don't  you  speak,  man  ?  "  he  cried,  stamp 
ing  his  foot  with  rage  and  mortification.  "  Is  it 
possible  that  my  nephew — one  bearing  the  name 
of  Gordon — could  rob  his  wife  and  child  ?  I  speak 
not  of  the  trust  I  had  in  you.  Frank,  I  disown 
you  !  " 

"  O  Frank !  tell  him  that  you  are  innocent," 
exclaimed  Grace,  clinging  to  him,  and  looking 
reproachfully  at  his  uncle. 

"  I  cannot !  "  he  groaned,  covering  his  face  from 
their  gaze. 


360  FORGING  THEIR  OWN  CHAINS. 

"  Oh !  this  is  terrible,"  cried  Grace,  turning 
slowly  from  him. 

But  he  caught  her  hand,  and,  forgetting  the 
others,  said:  "Grace,  my  wife!  I  did  not  mean  to 
wrong  you.  I  was  led  on,  little  by  little.  Oh  ! 
what  a  fool  I  have  been." 

"  Ay!  fool  and  knave  too!  "  exclaimed  the  old 
man  bitterly.  "  And,  Grace,  you  were  another,  to 
give  him  the  power.  What  business  had  you  to 
sign  such  papers  ?  " 

"  I  know  nothing  about  business.  He  had  con 
trol  of  all.  If  I  couldn't  trust  my  husband,  who 
could  I  ?  "  she  replied,  with  a  moan  of  distress,  as 
she  buried  her  face  on  the  lounge. 

"  O  Grace,  Grace  !  "  he  pleaded,  coming  close 
to  her  side,  and  trying  to  look  into  her  eyes. 
"  Don't  throw  me  off.  Don't  turn  from  me.  I  know 
I  deserve  it,  but  forgive  me  just  this  once,  and  I'll 
work  day  and  night,  till  I  restore  all." 

"  Much  work  you've  ever  done,  or  will  do.  It 
was  your  confounded  laziness  that  brought  upon 
you  this  disgrace,"  sneered  his  uncle.  "  I  shall 
clear  the  Gordon  name  from  dishonorable  debts,  if 
it  takes  every  dollar  I  possess.  But  you  needn't 
look  to  me  for  any  more  help  in  your  gambling 
operations." 

Young  Gordon  writhed  under  these  bitter  taunts. 
But  Grace  rising  up  dashed  aside  her  tears,  arfd 
drawing  her  stately  form  to  its  full  height,  said 


DISCOVERY.  361 

with  a  calm  dignity  of  which  no  one  before  had 
believed  her  capable,  as  she  stepped  to  her  hus 
band's  side  and  laid  her  hand  on  his  shoulder, 
"Uncle  John,  you  are  unmerciful.  Frank,  let  the 
money  go.  I  believe  you  did  not  mean  to  wrong 
me  or  our  child.  I  shall  stand  by  you,  let  the 
future  bring  what  it  may." 

And  as  her  husband,  too  much  moved  to  speak, 
threw  his  arms  about  her,  she  turned  with  a  half 
defiant  glance  upon  the  circle  gathered  around 
them. 

"  Yes,  Grace,  you  are  right,"  exclaimed  Julia 
impetuously  springing  toward  her.  "  You  shall 
share  my  property.  If  Frank  will  now  rouse  him 
self,  and  be  a  man,  in  the  true  sense  of  the  word, 
I  say  give  him  a  chance.  He  has  done  wrong  ; 
but  you'll  secure  more  credit  to  the  name,  in  my 
opinion,  Mr.  John  Gordon,  by  trying  to  help  him 
up,  than  in  heaping  reproaches  upon  him.  Hunt 
is  a  villain  and  a  sneaking  thief,  and  I  know  of  still 
more  to  his  discredit.  I  have  always  suspected 
him,  and  feared  he  would  in  some  way  injure 
Frank.  But  I  believe  that  Stokes  is  no  better." 

"  Who  calls  my  son  a  villain  and  a  thief  ?  "  asked 
a  weak  quivering  voice,  as  old  Mrs.  Gordon  tottered 
into  the  midst  of  the  excited  group,  and  looked 
with  terror-stricken  eyes  from  one  to  the  other. 
No  one  spoke,  but  in  their  shocked,  averted  faces 
she  read  the  confirmation  of  what  she  had  partly 
16 


362  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

overheard,  and  with  a  wail  of  anguish  fell  prostrate 
upon  the  floor. 

They  carried  her  to  her  room,  and  she  soon 
returned  to  consciousness,  only  to  realize  the  full 
weight  of  her  grief.  But  why  linger  over  this 
painful  scene  ?  Alas,  it  has  had  its  counterpart 
too  often. 

There  followed  after  this  many  dark  and  troubled 
days.  Hunt  was  traced  to  his  hiding-place,  but 
managed  to  escape  to  the  wilds  north,  leaving 
most  of  his  ill-gotten  gains  behind,  and  so  all  trace 
of  him  was  lost. 

His  poor  old,  broken-hearted  mother,  lived  but 
a  few  days  to  realize  his  disgrace  and  cruel  desertion. 
During  her  illness,  Julia  watched  beside  her  with 
almost  a  daughter's  tender  care  and  sympathy. 
Then  she  helped  Grace  prepare  to  leave  Cedar 
Ridge,  promising  to  accompany  her  and  Frank  to 
a  distant  city,  where  he  was  to  begin  life  afresh. 

Mr.  Butler  purchased  both  the  mansion  and  the 
colliery,  and  announced  his  intention  to  make 
Graham  his  adopted  son  and  partner  in  the  new 
firm. 

The  last  morning  of  Julia's  long  visit  had  come, 
and,  rising  early,  she  went  out  into  its  dewy  fresh 
ness  to  look  once  more  at  the  beautiful  prospect 
from  the  cliff  overhanging  the  river.  But  when 
she  thought  of  all  the  changes  those  months  had 
brought,  tears  so  blinded  her  eyes  that  she  could 


DISCOVERY.  363 

only  cover  her  face  with  her  hands,  as  she  uncon 
sciously  spoke  aloud  her  thought,  "  Oh  !  there  is 
no  spot  that  will  seem  so  lovely  and  homelike  as 
this. 

"  Why  leave  it,  then  ?  "  asked  a  manly  voice,  that 
thrilled  to  her  heart.  She  turned  with  a  quick 
impulse  of  flight  but  Maurice  caught  her  hand,  as 
he  exclaimed  eagerly,  "  Don't  go,  Julia.  It  has 
been  impossible  to  see  you  alone  ever  since  our 
trip  to  Hawley.  I  beg  you  to  remain  now  and 
listen  to  what  I  have  to  say.''  He  paused  a  mo 
ment,  as  if  vainly  struggling  for  self-mastery,  then 
continued  impetuously,  "Julia,  you  know  I  love 
you.  Mymannermust  have  told  you  that,  although 
I  dared  not  put  it  into  words.  Do  you  care  enough 
for  me,  would  it  be  possible  that  you  could  come 
back  here  again,  and  be  mine  ?  " 

She  turned  her  face  from  him,  while  a  deep  flush 
spread  over  her  cheeks,  and  then  faded  as  quickly 
away  leaving  her  very  pale.  She  did  not  attempt 
to  release  her  hand,  and  when  she  raised  her  eyes 
to  his,  a  smile  broke  through  her  tears,  like 
the  sun  through  an  April  cloud.  Yet  her  words 
still  left  his  fate  trembling  in  the  balance,  as  she 
said, 

"  Circumstances  have  changed,  Mr.  Butler?" 

"  Julia,  it  is  Maurice  Graham  who  seeks  you  now, 
— one  who  has  loved  you  in  spite  of  circumstances 
which  might  have  been  deemed  sufficient  to  have 


364  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

checked  his  presumption.  Will  you  accept  him?" 
he  asked,  coming  still  closer  to  her  side. 

"  Well,  if  you  think  that  gentleman,  with  the 
other  name,  really  cares — 

"  Cares  ?  How  shall  I  prove  he  cares  ?  So  ?  "  and 
he  flung  his  arms  about  her,  and  covered  her  face 
with  kisses. 


THE   CURTAIN  FALLS.  365 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 

THE   CURTAIN   FALLS. 

HE  long  strike  was  over,  and  the  new 
firm  at  Cedar  Ridge  had  little  difficulty 
in  filling  up  its  complement  of  men. 
Ned  Malcome  was  still  overseer,  and  up 
at  his  cottage  on  the  slope  of  the  mountain  Bessie 
Walker  was  now  installed  the  happy  mistress. 

It  was  a  beautiful  evening  in  June,  and  she  stood 
in  the  doorway  shading  her  eyes  from  the  slanting 
sunbeams,  as  she  looked  down  the  woodland  path 
to  see  if  Ned  was  coming.  A  manly  figure  was 
approaching  and  Malcome  was  seen  just  emerging 
from  the  trees  beyond.  With  a  laughing  glance 
over  her  shoulder,  she  called,  "Annie,  dear,  some 
one  here  wants  to  see  you."  Then  catching  up  her 
jaunty  hat,  she  darted  by  their  visitor,  with  a 
merry  "  good-evening,"  on  toward  her  husband, 
whose  arms  opened  wide  to  receive  her. 

Unconscious  Annie  came  to  the  door  to  meet 
Andrew  Fuller,  and  he  stepped  forward  with  an 
alacrity  that  would  never  suggest  broken  limbs, 
while  the  reflection  from  the  sunset  clouds — or 
something  else — gave  a  rosy  tinge  to  her  face. 


366  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

Fuller  held  her  hand  in  a  close  grasp  as  he  said, 
"  I  have  come  to  ask  if  you  will  walk  up  to  Biddy 
Maguire's  cottage  with  me  this  evening?  I  haven't 
been  there  since  that  night,  you  remember.'' 

"  I  don't  know  whether  I  ought  to  leave  moth 
er,"  she  answered  hesitatingly. 

"  Oh !  now  I'll  take  no  more  excuses.  That's 
played  out  since  Ned  brought  his  wife  home. 
Come  Annie,  I  have  good  news.  I  couldn't  even 
wait  to  go  home  and  tell  mother." 

"  Well,  I'll  get  my  hat.  We  won't  be  gone 
long?" 

"That  will  depend  on  how  much  time  it  takes 
to  tell  my  story." 

Annie  went  in,  and  sought  her  wraps  half  eager 
ly,  half  reluctantly,  for  her  heart  told  her  pretty 
plainly  what  a  part  at  least  of  Andrew's  story 
would  be.  When  at  last  she  made  her  appearance, 
he  drew  her  hand  within  his  arm  and  they  slowly 
and  silently  began  the  ascent. 

Annie  was  too  self-conscious  to  speak,  and 
Andrew,  now  that  the  hour  which  must  decide  his 
future  happiness  had  come,  felt  almost  afraid  to 
put  it  to  the  test. 

At  last  he  said,  with  deep  feeling,  "  I  shall  never 
forget  what  you  did  for  me  on  this  mountain, 
Annie.  I  owe  you  a  debt  of  gratitude  I  cannot 
repay." 

She  was  vexed  that  he  should  speak  of  grati- 


THE   CURTAIN  FALLS.  367 

tude,  and  the  thought  flashed  upon  her,  "  perhaps 
that  was  all  he  did  feel  now.  He  had  certainly 
seemed  to  avoid  her  for  some  weeks  past.  Possibly 
since  she  had  learned  to  care  for  him,  he  had 
ceased  to  love  her.''  So  she  answered  coldly, 
"  You  needn't  feel  it  a  burden,  Andrew,  I  would 
have  done  the  same  for  any  man  in  like  position." 

He  turned  and  looked  at  her  keenly,  then 
dropped  her  hand,  with  a  heavy  sigh,  as  he  said, 
"  I  see  that  I  am  no  more  to  you  than  any  stran 
ger  who  might  have  needed  your  aid.  Oh!  this  is 
hard,  to  wait  and  hope  so  long,  and  now  when  I 
have  the  ability,  not  only  to  support  those  already 
dependent  upon  me,  but  am  also  free  to  seek  a 
wife,  the  woman  I  love  tells  me  that  she  cares 
nothing  for  me." 

"  I  didn't  say  that.     You  are  unjust." 

"  But  I  want  no  kind,  friendly  feelings,  and  all 
that  bosh,"  he  said,  bitterly.  "  What  I  want  is 
your  heart  in  exchange  for  the  one  which  you  stole 
from  me  years  ago.  Could  you — would  you  give 
it  me,  Annie,  dear?  "  he  exclaimed,  eagerly,  as  she 
turned  toward  him. 

"  I  lost  it  some  time  ago,  Andrew,"  she  replied, 
scarcely  above  a  whisper. 

"  When  ?  to  whom  ?  "  he  impetuously  demanded. 

"  One  dark  night,  when  I  listened  to  the  pitiful 
story  of  a  wounded  man." 

"  Up  on  this  mountain,  Annie?  " 


3  ft*  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

"  Pretty  near  here,"  she  faltered. 

"All  right,"  he  cried  joyously,  tucking  her  hand 
again  close  under  his  arm  ;  "  I  think  I  know  who 
has  it  now,  and  he'll  keep  it,  I  promise  you." 

"  You  said  you  had  some  news  to  tell  me,"  she 
replied,  in  an  effort  to  make  a  diversion  and  hide 
her  blushing  face. 

"  Truly,  but  if  I  haven't  told  you  anything  new 
in  saying  that  I  love  you,  I  certainly  have  heard 
the  best  news  that  ever  came  to  me  yet.  But 
what  do  you  think  Mr.  Butler  has  done  now?" 

"  O  Andrew !  it  must  be  something  good,  by 
your  face,"  exclaimed  Annie,  forgetting  her  em 
barrassment  in  sympathy  with  his  joy. 

"  Yes,  Annie,  dear;  he  has  found  a  liberal  pur 
chaser  for  the  site  of  our  old  mill,  and  now  I  am 
out  of  debt,  and  mean  to  become  a  prosperous 
man  ;  and  I  " — 

Here  he  was  interrupted  by  Biddy  Maguire,  who 
suddenly  appeared  before  them,  accompanied  by  a 
little  Irishman,  whose  head  scarcely  reached  to 
the  top  of  her  shoulder,  in  a  coat  so  large  that  it 
might  easily  have  held  another  just  like  him. 

"  Och  !  Miss  Annie,  is  that  you  ?  An'  Misther  Ful 
ler,  me  darlint,  how  are  ye?  Faith,  an'  to  see  ye 
now,  who  would  iver  belave  that  I  had  to  carry  ye 
in  me  two  arms,  yer  face  whiter  nor  me  cap  this 
blessed  minnet." 

"  Ah,  Bridget,  you   did    me  good  service  then. 


THE   CURTAIN  FALLS.  369 

Annie  and  I  were  just  coming  up  to  thank  you  for 
that  kind  deed." 

"  Sure,  then,  we'll  go  back.  See  here,  Pat," 
she  cried,  catching  her  companion  by  the  arm,  and 
whirling  him  around  as  if  his  feet  had  been  set  on 
a  pivot.  "  Miss  Annie,  here's  Patrick  O'Brian, 
from  auld  Ireland,  first  cousin  on  me  mither's  side. 
Indade,  if  he'd  been  a  Maguire,  I  wouldn't  av 
owned  him  for  a  relation  if  he  was  me  gran'- 
father." 

The  little  man  pulled  his  fore-lock,  and  shuf 
fled  his  feet  in  an  awkward  bow,  but  made  no 
further  attempt  at  acquaintance.  Fuller  and  Bridget 
took  up  the  conversation,  and  reviewed  in  detail 
all  the  circumstances  connected  with  the  assault 
upon  him,  and  her  efforts  to  rescue  him.  After 
they  had  rested  awhile  on  the  steps  in  front  of 
her  cottage,  Fuller  remarked  to  Annie,  that  as 
she  was  anxious  about  leaving  her  mother,  per 
haps  they  had  better  be  moving  toward  home. 

"  Will  ye  coom  inside  a  minnit  fust,  Miss 
Annie?"  asked  Bridget  rising.  Annie  followed 
her,  and  shutting  the  door  she  said  mysteriously, 
in  a  tone  that  might  have  answered  for  a  stage 
whisper,  "  Miss  Annie,  will  ye  do  me  a  favor?" 

"Yes,  indeed,  Biddy.     Gladly,  if  I  can." 

"  It's  only  would  ye  ax  Misther  Graham  or  But 
ler,  which  iver  he  is,  if  he's  afther  wantin'  anither 
blacksmith  ?  Yer  see  this  cousin  o'  mine  han't 
1 6* 


370  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

got  no  work,  though  he's  the  beautifulest  hand  at 
shoein'  hosses  and  mules  ye  iver  seed.  I  knowed 
if  you  shpoke  a  good  word  for  the  poir  chap  to 
Misther  Graham,  it  would  be  all  roight." 

"  Well,  Bridget,  I'll  ask  him,  or  get  Ned  to  speak 
to  him.  When  did  your  cousin  come?" 

"  The  day  before  yesterday,"  she  said,  with  a 
half  embarrassed,  half  amused  chuckle,  as  she  laid 
her  big  hand  on  Annie's  shoulder.  "  An'  to  tell  ye 
of  the  impidence  of  the  mon,  he's  axed  me  already 
would  I  go  wid  him  to  the  praste,  an'  becoom  Mis 
tress  O'Brian  ?  What  do  ye  think  o'  that  noo, 
Miss  Annie?  " 

"  It  must  be  a  case  of  love  at  first  sight.  But  he 
seems  to  me  a  rather  small  man,  to  undertake  such 
large  responsibilities,"  replied  Annie,  laughing. 

"Faith!  noo.  Isn't  it  the  little  parcels  that 
hould  the  most  value,  darlint  ?  " 

"  What  answer  did  you  give  him,  Biddy?  " 

"  I  bid  him  be  quit  o'  his  nonsense,  as  if  the 
loikes  o'  me  would  listen  to  such  blarney.  But 
thin,  Miss  Annie,  the  poor  crathur  hasn't  a  sowl 
to  take  care  o'  him.  Yer  should  have  seed  the 
coat  he  had  on  him  whin  he  first  coom.  Indade, 
an'  there  were  so  many  holes  in  it,  that  all  the  four 
winds  o'  heaven  could  blow  right  through  it  at 
onst.  Ye  see,  I  give  him  one  o'  me  brither  Bar 
ney's,  an'  it  fits  him  as  if  it  were  hung  on  a  post, 
afther  me  takin'  near  a  foot  aff  the  skirts  o'  it." 


THE   CURTAIN  FALLS.  371 

An'  Bridget  laid  back  her  head,  and  laughed  at  her 
lover's  absurd  appearance,  till  the  walls  echoed 
with  her  mirth. 

Fuller  here  impatiently  called  to  know  if  Annie 
wasn't  most  ready?  When  she  joined  him,  he 
folded  her  shawl  carefully  about  her,  saying  to 
Bridget,  "  This  little  girl  is  mine  now;  I  must  take 
good  care  of  her." 

"  Shure,  Misther  Fuller,  it's  joking  ye  are?  Be- 
dad  !  but  I  thought  she  was  Misther  Graham's 
swateheart.  Ye  niver  know  what  to  expect.  This 
marryin'  faver  seems  catchin'.  Ned  Malcome 
begun,  an'  noo  there's  no  tellin'  where  it'll  end,"  she 
added,  with  a  side  glance  at  the  little  Pat,  who  was 
sheepishly  shifting  from  one  foot  to  the  other,  his 
hands  buried  in  the  unknown  depths  of  his  pockets, 
and  a  broad  smile  stretching  his  mouth  from  ear 
to  ear.  Fuller  and  Annie  bade  them  a  laughing 
good-night,  and  then,  in  utter  forgetfulness  of  the 
old  mother,  who  was  supposed  to  be  so  anxiously 
awaiting  their  return,  the  two  lovers  sauntered 
slowly  through  the  dewy  stillness  of  mountain 
paths,  with  many  a  rest  on  mossy  rocks,  till  the 
setting  moon  warned  them  that  the  witching  hour 
of  midnight  had  almost  come. 

A  few  months  have  passed,  and  near  the  close 
of  a  perfect  day  in  October,  the  heroine  of  our 
story  stands  again  on  the  cliffs  of  Cedar  Ridge. 


372  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

Julia  Earle  had  a  few  weeks  before  become  Mrs. 
Graham  Butler.  And  now,  for  the  first  time,  she 
is  enjoying  an  autumn  among  the  romantic  scenery 
of  Pennsylvania.  She  sits  in  the  summer-house, 
with  a  book  lying  idly  on  her  lap ;  a  happy  smile 
parts  her  lips,  and  her  eyes  dreamily  follow  the 
shifting  shadows  of  white  clouds,  as  they  chase 
each  other  over  the  mountains,  that  have  blossomed 
into  every  tinge  of  color  from  dark  russet  brown 
to  a  blazing  flame  of  scarlet  and  gold. 

By  her  side,  and  falling  in  graceful  wreaths  over 
her  gray  dress,  are  crimson  vines,  delicate,  cream- 
tinted  ferns,  that  seem  but  the  phantoms  of  sum 
mer's  luxurious  growth,  and  large  sprays  of  maple 
and  oak,  with  leaves  as  brilliant  as  if  some  fairy's 
brush,  dipped  in  rainbow  dyes,  had  veined  and 
tinted  with  infinite  variety  their  glossy  sur 
face. 

"  Oh  !  oh  !  isn't  it  gorgeous  ?  "  she  exclaimed 
aloud,  feeling  that  her  enjoyment  must  have  some 
vent. 

"  I  knew  you  would  appreciate  our  hills,  dar 
ling,"  said  Maurice,  as  he  came  to  her  side. 

Julia  sprang  up,  and  the  leaves  and  vines  fell  un 
heeded  at  her  feet,  while  her  cheeks  vied  with  the 
maple  in  their  rosy  tinge.  Her  husband  threw  his 
arm  about  her,  and  together  they  walked  to  the 
e  !ge  of  the  cliff. 

"O   Maurice!"  she  exclaimed  again,  "I    never 


THE   CURTAIN  FALLS.  373 

knew  the  beauty  of  our  October  before.  It  seems 
as  if  thousands  of  rainbows  had  broken  loose  from 
the  sky,  and  were  running  wild  through  these 
woods." 

"  Yes,  and  they  have  got  twisted  all  around  my 
little  wife.  Here  is  the  rose,"  he  said,  putting 
his  lips  to  her  cheeks,  "  and  your  plaid  wrap  over 
that  gray  dress  will  answer  for  the  other  colors.  It 
is  a  hopeful  sign,  dear,  harbinger  of  a  bright,  sunny 
future." 

"  Are  not  rainbows  always  associated  with 
storms,  Graham  ?  " 

"Yes,  but  then  the  storm  must  be  passing  off, 
and  the  sun  be  shining,  even  while  the  rain  still 
falls.  So,  darling,  in  our  future,  if  we  never  lose 
the  light  of  the  Sun  of  Righteousness  from  our 
path,  I  think  we  shall  find  a  rainbow  of  hope  span 
ning  the  darkest  clouds.  But  come  back  to  the 
summer-house  again.  I  have  a  letter  I  want  to 
read  to  you.  It  gives  information  about  poor 
Ada." 

"  O  Maurice  !  I  have  so  often  thought  of  her. 
Is  it  bad  news?" 

"Yes,  dear.  It  is  a  sad  ending  to  a  misspent 
life.  The  letter  is  from  Dan  Malcome,  to  his 
brother  Ned.  He  hoping  to  better  his  fortunes- 
went  to  seek  employment  in  the  silver  mines  of 
Colorado.  Ned  gave  this  to  me  to-night." 

He  then  sat  down  on  the  wooden  seat,  and  draw- 


374  FORGING   THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

ing  his  wife  close  to  his  side,  opened  and  read  the 
following  letter : 

"  Well,  old  fellow,  so  the  strike  is  ended,  and 
you've  made  a  fresh  start,  and  are  hard  at  it  again. 
It  was  wonderful  news  your  last  letters  brought  me. 
I  congratulate  you  most  heartily  on  your  present 
happiness  and  success.  I  don't  know  who  is  more 
worthy  of  it.  I've  tried  frontier  life  and  silver 
mining  for  nearly  five  months,  and  am  thoroughly 
sick  of  both.  One  may  make  more  money,  but  the 
high  prices  here  use  it  all  up.  And  then,  Ned,  to 
tell  the  truth,  I've  had  enough  of  lawlessness,  under 
the  false  name  of  liberty. 

"  As  you  know,  I  used  to  hate  Sunday,  and  going 
to  kirk,  above  all  things.  But  it  seems  to  me  now, 
the  sweetest  music  I  could  hear  would  be  the  ring 
ing  of  the  church  bells,  as  they  used  to  sound  at 
your  quiet  mountain  home.  A  mon  gets  as  brutish 
and  stubborn  as  his  mule,  where  he  works  in  the 
same  tread-mill  the  week  round.  Do  ye  think  if 
I  came  home  the  new  firm  would  gie  me  employ 
ment  for  the  winter? 

"  But  that's  not  what  I  meant  to  write  now. 
You  remember  telling  me  about  a  Miss  Ada  Hunt, 
cousin  of  that  old  scoundrel  who  robbed  the 
bank?  You  said  that  she  ran  off,  and  married 
Stokes,  who  was  suspected  of  being  mixed  up  with 
Hunt. 


THE   CURTAIN  FALLS.  375 

"  About  a  week  ago,  I  was  sent  on  business  some 
twenty  miles  from  here,  over  as  dreary  a  country 
as  I  ever  saw.  Night  overtook  me,  and  I  stopped 
at  a  lonely  ranch,  and  found  only  two  women  and 
three  or  four  children,  the  men  being  all  off  some 
where  else.  The  mistress  of  the  house  seemed 
glad  to  have  me  remain,  and  said  that  there  was  a 
strange  woman  dying  there.  She  said  that  she 
seemed  like  a  lady,  who  had  been  used  to  a  very 
different  life.  I  asked  her  name,  and  she  told  me 
that  it  was  Mrs.  Stokes,  but  that  some  of  her 
clothes  were  marked  Ada  Hunt.  She  must  have 
been  a  beauty  once,  but  now  she  was  only  a  ghost 
of  herself. 

"  I  immediately  suspected  who  it  was,  and  the 
woman  noticing  my  face,  asked  if  I  knew  her?  I 
said  I  thought  possibly  I  knew  of  her,  and  who 
her  friends  were.  Then  I  asked  where  her  hus 
band  was?  '  Oh,'  said  the  woman  with  a  knowing 
look,  '  he  got  in  a  scrape,  was  a  little  too  free  with 
other  folks'  money,  and  had  to  make  tracks  mighty 
sudden.  Some  say  he  was  overtaken  and  in  the 
scuffle  got  shot,  but  I  don't  know  for  sure.  He 
ought  to  have  been  hung,  shootin'  was  too  good 
for  him.  He  left  her  dyin',  without  a  cent.  I've 
done  the  best  I  could.  It  wan't  much,  but  poor 
creatur'  my  heart  aches  for  her.  Perhaps  you 
could  comfort  her,  if  you  knowed  her  folks.  She'll 
never  go  farther  than  her  grave.' 
15 


376  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

"  She  then  took  me  right  into  the  sick  woman's 
room,  and  said,  '  Mrs.  Stokes,  here's  a  man  just 
came  who  says  he  knowed  you  and  your  folks  out 
East.' 

"  The  woman  started  up,  and  gave  me  such  a  look 
I  never  can  forget.  '  Who  are  you  ? '  she  asked 
almost  fiercely.  '  Dan  Malcome,  ma'am,'  I  re 
plied.  '  My  brother  is  boss  at  the  Cedar  Ridge 
Colliery.'  With  a  bitter  cry,  she  fell  back,  and 
moaned,  '  Oh  !  my  sin  has  found  me  out.  I  would 
rather  have  died,  than  that  they  had  ever  known 
of  my  disgrace.  To  think  that  Ada  Hunt  should 
have  come  to  this  ! '  she  exclaimed,  again  starting 
up,  and  staring  at  us.  But  brushing  her  long  hair 
from  her  haggard  face,  she  gazed  at  me  steadily,  as 
she  said  slowly,  '  God  has  sent  you.  It  is  well  you 
came.'  Then  she  fell  back  and  lay  so  still  and 
pale  that  I  thought  she  was  gone.  But  by-and-by 
she  said  in  a  low,  trembling  voice,  'Come  close,  I 
want  to  tell  you  what  to  write  them.  My  husband 
deceived  me.  I  did  not  know  he  too  had  robbed 
the  bank.  He  has  proved  a  villain,  and  has  broken 
my  heart.  Still  I  was  to  blame  in  marrying  him. 
I  did  not  love  him,  and  only  cared  for  the  wealth 
he  promised  me.  I  deserved  my  punishment.  But 
it  will  soon  be  over  now.  Here  is  my  wedding- 
ring.  Will  you  send  it  to  them  ?  ' 

"  Then  after  a  long  pause,  she  said,  '  I  know 
your  brother  was  a  good  man.  Have  you  a 


THE  CURTAIN  FALLS.  377 

Bible   with   you  ?     Won't  you  read  the  fifty-first 
Psalm  ? ' 

"  I  took  the  one  you  gave  me,  out  of  my  pocket, 
Ned,  and  found  the  place.  After  I  finished  it,  she 
kept  slowly  repeating,  '  Hide  thy  face  from  my 
sins,  and  blot  out  all  my  iniquities,'  till  the  lips 
ceased  moving,  and  all  was  over.  I  stayed  to  bury 
her.  It  was  the  saddest  task  I  ever  had. 

"  Tell  the  dear  auld  mither,  that  her  wayward 
bairn  has  since  taken  that  psalm  for  his  prayer. 
And  who  knows  but  that,  through  God's  infinite 
mercy,  both  the  poor  forsaken  woman  and  this 
prodigal  son,  now  in  a  far  country,  will  meet  in 
the  Father's  house  with  joy  and  gladness. 

"  Your  affectionate  brother  Dan." 

When  Maurice  finished  reading  the  letter,  Julia 
had  hidden  her  face  on  his  shoulder,  and  was  weep 
ing  with  sympathy  for  the  sad  fate  of  the  beautiful, 
accomplished  Ada. 

Graham  brushed  the  tears  from  his  own  eyes, 
and  tenderly  soothed  his  wife,  while  he  said, 
"  Thank  God,  there  is  some  light,  some  hope  for 
her  future.  Yet  what  a  terrible  retribution  !  But 
come,  little  one,  the  dew  is  falling,  and  the  air 
grows  chill.  We  must  go  in.  No  doubt  the  old 
father  and  mother  are  looking  for  us." 

A  few  hours  later,  and  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Butler  were 
sitting  in  their  easy-chairs,  with  clasped  hands,  in 


37§  FORGING    THEIR   OWN  CHAINS. 

front  of  a  glowing  hearth  that  was  no  longer 
lonely  ;  and  sweet  strains  of  music  filled  the  room, 
as  Maurice  and  Julia's  voices  blended  in  the  songs 
the  old  folks  loved  best. 

And  now  the  curtains  of  night  close  around 
them,  and  hide  them  from  our  gaze,  and  we  say 
good-night  to  the  friends  of  Cedar  Ridge. 


THE   END. 


Lange,  Little  4  Co., 
n,  Electrotypers  and  Bookbinders, 
Nos.  10  to  -20  Astor  Place, 
New  York. 


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